Ethics concerns for 2025 QRSTF

  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

 You do not need to have an ethics approval for the following situations:

  • testing personal care items on synthetic or artificial material. (testing toothpaste on simulated teeth) But not on humans!
  • If you use a credited open source database that you have cited.
  • Observing and analyzing humans or human behavior in a public setting. (observing human behavior at crosswalks)
  • experiments involving invertebrates (e.g. meal worms, earthworms, wax worms, silkworms, fruit flies) or single-celled micro-organisms (if you are not sure please email us at qrstf@live.com )
  • If do not know if your project needs approval - ask anyway. Contact Us! 

     When asking for an approval please provide detailed information about your project so that we can make an informed decision. When sending your email request please include all forms, partner information, project title and abstract, and any other important information. If you are using a survey. please include a copy of the survey with your request.

    QRSTF Finalist

    Important links  for Ethics Concerns

    Important Links for Dealings with Ethics


    How do you get an approval Form?


    1. Remember that QRSTF and Canada-wide Science Fair follow the same guidelines for ethics at Youth Science Canada (policies)..

      Ethics approved by QRSTF carry over to CWSF, unless your project has been changed substantially between the regional fair and CWSF.

    2. Youth Science Canada Ethics in STEM Projects

    3. Email us and we can send the information to you (email:  qrstf@live.com )

     

    Humans - Low Risk

    Participation of Humans in Research – Low Risk (Youth Science Canada) 
    Use of Vertebrates in Science Research
    Form - Participation of Humans in Research - Low Risk Approval
    Ethics in Stem
    Form - Informed Consent Letter of Information
    Request for Advice or Ruling from YSC Ethics Committee
    Informed Consent Permission form
    Informed Consent of- Letter of Information

    Humans - Significant Risk

    Participation of Humans in Research – Significant Risk (Youth Science Canada)
    Form - Participation of Humans in Research - Significant Risk Approval
    Ethics in Stem
    Form - Informed Consent Letter of Information
    Request for Advice or Ruling from YSC Ethics Committee
    Use of Vertebrates in Science Research
    Informed Consent Permission form
    Informed Consent of- Letter of Information

    Dietary Intake Reference Tables (Health Canada)


    Use of Animals in Experiments:

    Form - Use of Animals Research Plan
    Use of Vertebrate Animals in Research Approval form
    Use of Vertebrate Animals, Cephalopods,and Decapod Crustaceans in Research
    Use of Invertebrate Animals in Research
    Bio safety Practices
    Request for Advice or Ruling from YSC Ethics Committee
    Ethics in Stem

    Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) guidelines


    Guide to the Care & Use of Experimental Animals (Volume 1, 2nd edition)

    The Use of Firearms and Projectiles

    Use of firearms and projectiles in science Experiments.



     

     

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    QRSTF - Since 1960
    QRSTF Ethics

    Ethics is a very important part of science research. It keeps all aspects fair and safe.