What are the main duties of a Research Ethics Board (REB) under TCPS 2?

• A. Publish results for researchers.
• B. Review and approve research proposals for ethics, monitor ongoing studies, and enforce protections; require modifications if needed.
• C. Only grant funding.
• D. Conduct experiments themselves.

Answer: (B)

The duties of a Research Ethics Board under TCPS 2 center on protecting research participants through ethics review and ongoing oversight. Before a study starts, the REB reviews the proposed protocol, consent documents, recruitment materials, and privacy protections to ensure they minimize risk, respect autonomy, and meet ethical standards. While the study is underway, the REB continues to monitor compliance, reviews any changes to the protocol, and oversees the handling of adverse events, ensuring that participant protections—such as informed consent, confidentiality, and fair treatment—remain appropriate. If protections are inadequate or risks rise, the REB can require modifications, add conditions, or suspend or terminate the study. Publishing results, providing funding, or conducting experiments are not roles of the REB; those tasks lie with researchers, funders, and other entities.