This overview helps new Applicants or REB Members, internal or external to the University of Guelph, access EthOS and understand some important guidelines for first-time users.
From here, please continue to leverage the Applicant User Materials or REB Member User Materials depending on your access role.
About EthOS
EthOS (Ethics Online System) is the University of Guelph’s Research Ethics online application, review and approval platform.
This platform provides several benefits for the research community to enhance the efficiency and integrity of the ethical review process, including:
- dynamic form navigation
- collaboration opportunities
- document management features
- real-time visibility to application status
- automated notifications
EthOS launched in July 2024 as part of an enterprise-wide initiative to improve research administration tools and processes. U of G’s Research Administration Information Management System (RAIMS) is a strategic initiative with a longer-term roadmap to implement multiple department-specific ethics solutions that support and empower our research community. (Researchers will see the RAIMS acronym referenced periodically throughout our user support materials and in our main user support email address: RAIMSsupport@uoguelph.ca.)
EthOS uses Infonetica's Ethics Review Manager software. Infonetica specializes in research management, ethics management, ethics approval and compliance training solutions.
EthOS is supported and maintained by U of G’s Research Ethics office. We are here to guide and support our research community at every step.
Available EthOS Forms
EthOS replaces U of G REB forms and supplements previously completed in Microsoft Word.
Use EthOS for all main (standard) REB applications (including Multi-jurisdictional and Request for Exemption applications) and Statement of Intent applications.
Amendment requests, annual renewals (continuing Ethics Review), event reports and study closures are also processed through EthOS.
REB Submission & Review Process Workflow
The implementation of EthOS does not change the overall review and approval process for research ethics applications. The Research Ethics office continues to coordinate all steps, ensuring compliance with the Tri-Council Policy Statement, but the workflow is streamlined and more efficient using the electronic system.
Account Setup
All users with a University of Guelph email address (@uoguelph.ca) or Guelph-Humber email address (@guelphhumber.ca) can access the system through single sign-on (SSO) and will not need to request an account.
Note: All other users must first request an external account before accessing EthOS.
Internet Settings
Pop-Ups
- For full system functionality, ensure that EthOS pop-ups are allowed
Supported Browsers
- Microsoft Edge
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Apple's Safari
Note: Using Microsoft Edge may reduce multi-factor authentication (MFA) prompts.
Mobile Compatibility
EthOS is not optimized for mobile use. We recommend using EthOS on a desktop or laptop browser only.
If you encounter any browser or display issues, contact RAIMSsupport@uoguelph.ca.
Logging In
Now you are logged in, make sure to read these Important Reminders before you get started, and all the other training materials for EthOS applicants or REB Members.
Acknowledgements
U of G is grateful to the McMaster University and Western University Human Research Ethics teams for their permission to leverage and adapt their training materials. We are also immensely grateful to the team at Western University for their invaluable support in answering our questions, sharing resources and lessons learned, and allowing us to adapt their various application forms as part of the EthOS deployment.
