Criteria for Review

Degree of Risk

CHIPER adopts a proportionate approach to research ethics review such that, as a preliminary step, the level of review is determined by the level of risk presented by the research: the lower the level of risk, the lower the level of scrutiny (delegated review); the higher the level of risk, the higher the level of scrutiny (full board review). A proportionate approach to assessing the ethical acceptability of the research, at either level of review, involves consideration of the foreseeable risks, the potential benefits, and the ethical implications of the research. 

“Minimal risk” research is defined as research in which the probability and magnitude of possible harms implied by participation in the research are no greater than those encountered by participants in those aspects of their everyday life that relate to the research. 

In their assessment of the acceptable threshold of minimal risk, ethics committees have special ethical obligations to individuals or groups whose situation or circumstances make them vulnerable in the context of a specific research project, and to those who live with relatively high levels of risk on a daily basis. Their inclusion in research should not exacerbate their vulnerability. 

Delegated CHIPER Review

May be completed by the CHIPER Chair or Vice Chair in the time between the scheduled committee meetings. This type of review may apply when it is determined by the CHIPER Chair/Vice-Chair that the research project involves minimal risk to participants. 

Full Board Review

Research ethics review by the full board is the default requirement for research involving humans. Such review will be conducted during CHIPER meetings for all projects that involve more than minimal risk to participants, when full review is the requirement of the project sponsor, in cases when delegated review would not apply, or when a chair determines that full review is necessary and refers the project to the full board’s attention.  

Please see the Harmony Submission Deadlines and Meeting Dates page for meeting schedules and guidance on time-sensitive reviews.