Community Member Needed for the McMaster Research Ethics Board

The McMaster Research Ethics Board is NOT currently seeking interested persons from the greater Hamilton community interested in a voluntary position on our board. There is the possibility for recruitment in the spring 2012. For more information, please contact: the Secretariat, Michael Wilson, 905-525-9140 ext. 23142, ethicsoffice@mcmaster.ca

Position Title: Research Ethics Board (REB) Member

Purpose of Assignment: Protection of subject-participants in non-medical research

Outline of Volunteer's Responsibilities:

- To assess research projects from an ethical perspective, reflecting on the likely reaction of research subjects

- To actively participate in discussions with other REB members

- To participate in the design of REB documents and procedures

Training and Support Plan:

- The volunteer will be eligible to attend either regional or national conferences, but most training will be at local workshops and seminars

- There is much learning on the job with the support of other REB members and the administrative support personnel

Time Commitment:

- One meeting every month, during the day, so must be flexible to have time off

- Review two to three applications a month, plus advance material for a full board meeting (the equivalent of two applications)

- A three year commitment to the board is recommended

Qualifications Needed:

- A commitment to bringing a public perspective from outside the research community to help the REB achieve its mandate

- Background and interest to broaden the Research Ethics Board's approach to its mandate and responsibilities

- Time to devote to the Research Ethics Board's work as well as wilingness and ability to work well in multi-disciplinary ethics

- Empathy for research participants

- Open mindedness

- Computer ability to receive and send email and word processing documents

Benefits:

- Parking vouchers and lunch at REB meetings

- Being on the edge of research development in social sciences and humanities

- Ensuring that members of the Hamilton-Wentworth community who are involved with research are treated with respect, dignity, and are freely informed of their participation

- Feeling good about doing something valuable to society

References:

The McMaster Research Ethics Board Terms of Reference

Community Representation: Broadening the Perspective and Value Base of Research Ethics Boards (An NCEHR workshop article)

Required Composition of a Research Ethics Board -Article 6.4 from the research ethics policy used in Canada, the Tri-Council Policy Statement: Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Human Subjects

Contact the Secretariat, Michael Wilson, 905-525-9140 ext. 23142, ethicsoffice@mcmaster.ca