Projects Subject to Review
Only research involving living human subjects is subject to IRB review. Research is defined as a systematic investigation, including research development, testing and evaluation, designed to develop or contribute to generalizable knowledge. Living human subjects means a living person about whom an investigator conducting research obtains (1) data through intervention or interaction with the individual, or (2) identifiable private information (obtained directly or indirectly from a source entrusted with human subject information).
Does My Study Fit the Definition of Research Involving Living Human Subjects?
To determine whether or not your proposed project fits the definition and thus will need IRB review, refer to the IRB Review, Decision Flow Chart.
Federal Grant Funded Projects
Any primary investigator who is applying for funds from the federal government, and is conducting research involving human subjects must contact the grants office to initiate the IRB approval process for the project at least four weeks prior to the submission of the grant application.
Projects without Federal Grant Funding
Any primary investigator who is not applying for funds from the federal government, and is conducting research involving human subjects must initiate the IRB approval process for the project at least four weeks prior to the proposed research project start date.