New National Standard of Canada from DGSI and HRSO outlines requirements for ethical and reliable data practices
The Digital Governance Standards Institute (DGSI), in collaboration with the Human Research Standards Organization (HRSO), has released CAN/DGSI 100.10 / HRSO 300.03, Data Governance in Human Research. This National Standard of Canada sets out requirements for the responsible and consistent collection, handling, and oversight of human research data.
The standard provides a practical framework for ensuring the reliability, verifiability, and ethical use of data generated through human research activities. It applies to individuals and organizations involved in designing, conducting, supporting, or overseeing human research, across both public and private sectors.
“The partnership between DGSI and HRSO in developing this standard exemplifies the value of cross-sector collaboration,” said Darryl Kingston, Executive Director of DGSI. “By bringing together perspectives from digital governance and human research, we’ve developed a resource that helps organizations meet high standards for data integrity and accountability.”
Key elements of the standard include:
- Clear definitions of roles and responsibilities for data governance throughout the research lifecycle
- Alignment with existing legal and ethical obligations, including privacy, consent, and data security
- Requirements for data stewardship, transparency, and traceability in research environments
- Guidelines to support consistent practices across diverse research settings and methodologies
- Emphasis on the trustworthiness and reproducibility of data derived from human research
Collaboration between DGSI and HRSO
The publication reflects ongoing collaboration between DGSI and HRSO to strengthen governance practices in complex and evolving research environments.
Dr. Janice E. Parente, President of HRSO, noted: “Human research conducted in alignment with National Standards ensures that the data derived from it are ethically produced and scientifically sound. The development of this standard reflects the strength of our collaboration with DGSI and our shared commitment in advancing ethical research practices.”
For more information or to access the standard, visit CAN/DGSI 100-10 / HRSO 300.03
Get involved
The DGSI’s development process is collaborative and open to all, and anyone interested in contributing to the development of digital governance standards is encouraged to get involved. For more information on how to participate, contact:
Darryl Kingston
Executive Director
Digital Governance Standards Institute
darryl.kingston@dgc-cgn.org
For further details or media inquiries, please contact:
Shyra Wells
Communications and Knowledge Mobilization Lead
Digital Governance Council
shyra.craig@dgc-cgn.org
About the Digital Governance Standards Institute
The Digital Governance Standards Institute develops digital technology governance standards fit for global use. The Institute works with experts, as well as national and global partners and the public to develop national standards that reduce risk to Canadians and Canadian organizations adopting and using innovative digital technologies in today’s digital economy. The Institute is an independent division of the Digital Governance Council. To learn more about the organization and its initiatives, visit www.dgc-cgn.org or contact info@dgc-cgn.org.
About HRSO
Human Research Standards Organization is a Canadian, not-for-profit, standards development organization that develops standards of relevance to those individuals conducting, overseeing, and participating in human research. Adherence to human research standards ensures that the rights and welfare of research participants are safeguarded, and that human research is conducted in an environment that promotes efficiencies, mitigates risks, and produces reliable, verifiable, and credible data.
HRSO adheres to the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade: Code of Good Practice for the Preparation, Adoption, and Application of Standards.