Submitting Stem Cell Research Applications to the Stem Cell Oversight Committee (SCOC)
Research proposals must be submitted to the Stem Cell Oversight Committee (SCOC) for review for conformity to Chapter 12, Section F of the Tri-Council Policy Statement: Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans (TCPS 2) if they:
- involve human pluripotent or human totipotent stem cells
- have assured funding; and
- are conducted under the auspices of Agency-eligible institutions
For more information on review requirements, see Does the Stem Cell Oversight Committee need to review my research proposal?, and the Frequently Asked Questions.
The Assisted Human Reproduction Act applies to human embryo creation and research. This Act prohibits ten activities relating to human genome alterations, the creation of embryos, and the maintenance of embryos. In addition to following the guidance provided in TCPS 2, researchers are responsible for compliance with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements (e.g., the Assisted Human Reproduction Act and its Regulations and the Food and Drugs Act and its Regulations).
For research using SCOC-approved cell lines
- Submit your application using the Application Form for SCOC Review
- Submit an amendment using the Application Form for SCOC Review:
- For major changes in direction of previously SCOC-approved research proposal
- If you receive new and/or additional funding
- If a trainee receives separate funding for related research
- Submit a notification for use of additional SCOC-approved stem cell lines not described in the original SCOC-approved research proposal, including:
- The exact title of your original application and date of submission
- Names of additional stem cell lines
Send all required documentation to stemcell-cellulesouche@cihr-irsc.gc.ca
Please note that we cannot accept zip files.
Time frame for SCOC response is 30 business days from submission of complete application.
For research using cell lines not yet approved by SCOC
Contact stemcell-cellulesouche@cihr-irsc.gc.ca if your application proposes to:
- derive human embryonic stem cells, and/or
- use human embryonic stem cells that have not yet been approved by SCOC.
Please note that Governing Council’s endorsement is required for this type of research, which will require a longer period for response.
SCOC has developed a Consent template for donation of human embryos to research intended to derive new human embryonic stem cell lines.
Access to Information Act and Privacy Act
The Access to Information Act gives Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada a limited right of access to information in federal government records.
The Privacy Act:
- Gives Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada access to information about themselves and specifies the uses to which personal information can be put.
- Sets out the rules and conditions governing the collection, retention and disposal of personal information.
- Provides a use and disclosure code for the protection of this information. This code stipulates the criteria under which information can be disclosed, including for what purposes and to whom it may be disclosed.
All information collected by CIHR is subject to these laws.
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