Research Ethics Board fee structure adjustments for industry-sponsored research

Following a comprehensive review, the University of Alberta will be adjusting the Research Ethics Board fee structure for industry-sponsored research, effective July 1, 2026.

The fee changes for industry-sponsored research are:

• Introduction of a $1,500 CAD annual review fee for each industry-sponsored study renewal.

• An increase to the initial one-time REB Exchange fee for University of Alberta participating sites from $2,000 CAD to $2,500 CAD.

Rationale for the increase

The current HREB fee structure has remained unchanged since 2021. During this period, the cost of administering ethics reviews has increased due to inflation, software licensing fees, and routine salary adjustments. The fee adjustment is intended to partially offset these increased operating costs.

Research Ethics Boards are responsible for reviewing and overseeing research involving human participants. In addition to the initial ethics review, REB offices administer ongoing oversight of active studies, including amendments, reportable events, and annual continuing review submissions, which may extend over multiple years.

This change will bring the University of Alberta’s REB fees into a range that is consistent with other institutions and review systems across Canada, including the University of British Columbia, with whom we have a reciprocity agreement, as well as Clinical Trials Ontario and CanReview fee structures.

How will this affect clinical trial researchers?

Beginning July 1, 2026:

• All new industry-sponsored contracts should include the updated fees in their budgets, including the annual renewal fee of $1,500 CAD and/or the initial REB Exchange fee of $2,500 CAD for University of Alberta participating sites.

• Researchers with existing approved studies should reach out to their industry contacts to initiate contract amendments for existing contracts, to update budgets to include the annual renewal fee of $1,500 CAD.  A communication package for sponsors will be sent to researchers who have ongoing approved clinical trials through targeted emails from the Research Ethics Office (ethics@ualberta.ca) in the coming weeks.

Questions about the fee increase should be directed to Kim Kordov, Director, Research Ethics & Integrity at kordov@ualberta.ca.

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