Here at the CHUM, all research projects that involve human subjects must be approved before they can begin. Assessments conducted by the Scientific Evaluation Committee (SEC) and Research Ethics Committee (REC) also extend to projects that involve cadavers and human remains, tissues, biological fluids, embryos and fetuses.
 
Answering to the CHUM Research Centre’s Research Management Advisory Committee, the SEC is responsible for evaluating the scientific aspects of all research projects. It judges the validity and scientific pertinence of proposed studies and makes sure that researchers have the competence needed to carry them out.

Answering to the CHUM Board of Directors, the REC ensures the protection of all human research subjects. Among other things, it makes sure the subjects' dignity, well-being and rights are respected by the project. To do so, the Committee may approve, modify, stop or refuse any research proposal or project.

The REC ensures that all research studies comply with the norms of the scientific community, as formulated by the three Research Councils of Canada and the University Ethics Council.  It is also responsible for following up on current projects.  The Committee is responsible for the application of all provisions of Article 21 of the Quebec Civil Code regarding the use of minors and inapt adults on the one hand, and the evaluation of all medical interventions presented as “innovative care” on the other hand. 

The CHUM REC is mandated  and operates according to the requirements of various national and international research organisations.