Research protocol

Section 1. Submission of a Project Proposal 

In order to conduct a research project at REST[ES], a request must be submitted in two stages, first to the REST[ES] Executive Committee (EC), then to the Ethics Subcommittee of the Anatomy Teaching and Research Laboratory (SCÉLERA). A separate request must be submitted to each entity, and it is the researcher’s responsibility to ensure follow-up between the two. Once these two validation steps have been completed, the research project can begin.

All researchers must first submit the Project Proposal Form to REST[ES]’s management, at the email address Site.RESTES@uqtr.ca, for validation by REST[ES]’s EC. To allow sufficient time for the projects to be reviewed by the EC, then by the SCÉLERA, it is recommended that the form be submitted at least one month before the project’s proposed start date.

All components of the project proposal form must be addressed and duly completed. REST[ES]’s management also recommends that researchers attach any additional material supporting their request, such as their sources of funding, ethics approval from their institution, certification of training for specialized equipment, etc. Student researchers must also submit a letter signed by their thesis or dissertation supervisor. The letter should objectively detail the scientific merits of the research, the role of REST[ES] in the project, the student’s level of competence in using the necessary equipment, and the student’s experience in collecting the data specified in the form.

Biological tissue sampling and destructive analyses require a more thorough review by REST[ES]’s EC and additional delays are to be expected. Therefore, the Project Proposal Form must be submitted at least two months before project’s proposed start date. For full details on this component, see the Policy on Biological Tissue Sampling and Destructive Analyses.

Once validation has been completed by REST[ES]’s EC, the researcher must submit the Request Form for the Use of Cadaveric Material to the SCÉLERA, at the email address SCELERA@uqtr.ca, for the second stage of validation. All components of the request form must also be addressed and duly completed. Once this second stage of validation is complete, the research project can begin.

Funds must be available to cover all costs incurred at REST[ES]. These costs include, but are not limited to, the use of bodies and rental fees for certain equipment on site. If the assistance of REST[ES]’s staff is requested for the researcher’s data collection, funds must be available to cover the resulting costs. Proof of funding is required before the project proposal can be accepted.

Section 2. Review Process for Project Proposals

The REST[ES]’s EC review process has three main objectives: 1) to validate that the proposed research has a sound scientific basis, 2) to confirm that REST[ES]’s facilities are adequate to address the proposed research, and 3) to assess the costs associated with the proposed research project.

 Le processus de révision pour les demandes de recherche va comme suit :

1. REST[ES]’s management will conduct an initial review of all research requests.
2. Management may consult with other UQTR professors or additional experts depending on the techniques to be used in the research.
3. Management will provide the REST[ES]’s EC with all materials related to the request, as well as information provided by other experts, for the evaluation of the project proposal.
4. EC members will discuss the merits of the research. In some cases, committee members may request additional information from the researcher or further expert advice before voting. After the discussion period, committee members will vote “yes” for approval or “no” for rejection. A majority vote of EC members is required for approval of the project proposal.
5. If the project proposal is approved by the EC, the researcher will have to submit the Request Form for the Use of Cadaveric Material to the SCÉLERA for the second stage of validation. Once this second stage of validation is complete, the research project can begin.

 Section 3. Access to REST[ES]

Obligations Prior to the Visit

Before being granted access to the facility, researchers must:

• Read the following documents and return them signed:
  • Commitment to Confidentiality;
  • Risk Acceptance Form;
  • REST[ES]’s Code of Conduct and Ethics.
• Complete the biosafety training specified by REST[ES]’s staff.

Staff Assistance

All researchers must be accompanied by a member of the REST[ES] staff at all times to access the facility. A member of the REST[ES] staff will be available to supervise and guide researchers at the facility during the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières’ operational hours (Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm). Funds must be available to cover additional costs if REST[ES]’s staff must assist the researcher at the facility outside of the university's operating hours, i.e., weekday evenings, weekends, and holidays, depending on staff availability.

Activities at the Facility

All researchers must restrict their activities at the facility to those outlined in their project proposal and authorised during the review process. Researchers may only use areas of the facility to which REST[ES]’s staff have granted access.

Mandatory Attire

All researchers must be dressed appropriately at the facility at all times. Appropriate clothing includes, but is not limited to, closed-toe shoes, long pants, long-sleeved shirts or short-sleeved shirts with protective sleeves and any other weather appropriate clothing (e.g., a hat in the summer, a coat and boots in the winter, etc.).

 All researchers must follow the appropriate safety procedures, including wearing the personal protective equipment (PPE) specified by REST[ES]’s staff. Researchers must provide their own PPE for all members of their team or have funds available to cover the cost of PPE from REST[ES]. The minimum PPE at REST[ES] includes nitrile or latex gloves and shoe covers. The use of additional PPE (e.g., Tyvek suits, surgical or N95 masks, protective eyewear, etc.) may be required by REST[ES]’s staff depending on the proposed study.

Imaging

Researchers are authorised to photograph and film their research for documentation purposes only. In this context, documentation should serve as a reference point for elements associated with the research project (e.g., handwritten notes on the spatial configuration of the facility or the methodology used on site for sampling).

Authorisation for the use of photographs and videos for purposes other than documentation must be obtained by submitting a written request to REST[ES]’s management, at the email address Site.RESTES@uqtr.ca. Non-documentary use includes publications, presentations, electronic transmission, general distribution, or commercial use. Researchers are expected to use their own photographic equipment.

Digital or film radiographs may be authorised, provided that the researcher has their own portable radiography system. Researchers wishing to use radiographic equipment at the facility must obtain prior authorisation from REST[ES]’s management. Certification demonstrating the researcher’s training in the safe handling of the equipment is required.

All researchers must acknowledge the role of REST[ES] in publications and presentations, including results obtained as part of their research at the facility.