Why must I apply for ethics approval before I begin my research?

All research must be undertaken in a responsible, ethical manner that protects participants and researchers. Carleton University has two Research Ethics Boards (CUREB-A and CUREB-B) that review and approve all research projects. In order to ensure that projects are carried out as safely as possible, the REB will want to know what risks a research project entails and what steps you, as the researcher, will take to mitigate and manage these risks. By going through the REB research ethics approval process, researchers are demonstrating the value they place on the well-being of participants.

In addition, funding agencies require that institutions have a process in place ensuring all projects have ethics clearance.