Registration is now open for the 2026 CAREB-ACCER Conference, taking place June 16–18, 2026 in a hybrid format, with opportunities to participate in person in Ottawa or virtually. This year’s theme, The Power of Presence in Research Ethics: Live, Virtual, United, invites the research ethics community to reflect on what it means to be truly present with participants, with one another, and within the systems that support ethical research, while navigating hybrid environments, emerging technologies, and evolving research practices.

Conference Structure

Day 1 – June 16 | In-person Workshop Day (separate registration required)

A dedicated, hands-on learning day in Ottawa will offer deeper exploration and collaborative dialogue.

Streams include:

• REB 101 for new board members and administrators

• Complex submissions

• Research ethics review in a digital world

Days 2–3 – June 17–18 | Main Conference (hybrid)

The main program will be accessible both in person and online, with a dynamic mix of keynote presentations, panel discussions, breakout sessions, workshops, and virtual posters designed to maximize engagement and connection across the community.

Thematic Streams

The conference will feature three interconnected streams:

• Ethics in Emerging Technology and Innovation

  Exploring the ethical dimensions of AI, open science, big data, and rapidly evolving research tools and methods.

• Ethics Infrastructure, Oversight, and Policy

  Examining how REBs and governance frameworks are adapting to global, digital, and institutional change.

• Engagement, Relationships, and Trust

  Highlighting the relational foundation of research ethics through community engagement, ethical literacy, and meaningful presence with research participants.

This conference is a valuable opportunity for REB members, administrators, researchers, and research ethics professionals to learn, share leading practices, and strengthen connections across Canada’s research ethics landscape.