Ethics Information

Understanding ethics requirements is an important part of participating in the Quinte Regional Science and Technology Fair.

Why Ethics Matters

Science fair projects must be conducted safely, responsibly, and ethically. Students are expected to respect people, animals, the environment, and the integrity of scientific research.

Projects involving humans, animals, personal information, hazardous materials, or environmental impacts may require ethics review and approval before the project begins.

Common Ethics Concerns

DOES YOUR PROJECT INVOLVE HUMANS OR ANIMALS? IF SO... PLEASE READ ON... YOU WILL NEED ETHICS APPROVAL FROM BOTH THE QRSTF AND POSSIBLY YOUTH SCIENCE CANADA TO TAKE PART IN OUR SCIENCE FAIR - Contact us if you have any questions

Projects involving human participants.
Collection of personal information or surveys.
Experiments involving animals.
Use of hazardous chemicals or biological materials.
Environmental impact of research activities.
Privacy and confidentiality of participants.
Obtaining informed consent.
Safe handling of equipment and materials.

Important: Students should obtain any required ethics approvals before beginning their project research or experimentation.

Ethics Approval Forms

Human Participants Ethics Form Informed Consent Form Animal Care Approval Information Animal Care Approval Form Use of Humans - Low Risk Form Use of Humans - High Risk Project Ethics Review Request

Required Ethics Documents

Participant Consent Forms
Parent/Guardian Permission Forms
Research Risk Assessment
Ethics Approval Documentation
Project Safety Forms
Data Privacy Agreements (if applicable)

Ethics Resources and Helpful Links

Canada-Wide Science Fair Ethics Guidelines Youth Science Canada Ethics Information Research with Human Participants Guide Science Fair Safety Handbook Use of invertebrate animals in Science fair Projects Biosafety Practices Use of Firearms and Projectiles Ethics Chart

Projects That May Require Ethics Review

Surveys and questionnaires.
Interviews with individuals.
Medical or health-related studies.
Behavioral studies.
Animal observation or experimentation.
Environmental field studies.
Projects involving personal data.

Need Help?

If you are unsure whether your project requires ethics approval, contact the QRSTF Ethics Committee before beginning your project.

Email:qrstf@live.com

The committee can provide guidance regarding forms, approvals, and project eligibility.