Office of Research
What is the Institutional Review Board (IRB)?
The IRB is the primary component of the Human Research Protection Plan (HRPP). The IRB is the University Committee responsible for ensuring the University complies with the terms of the Federalwide Assurance (FWA #10759) issued by the US Department of Health and Human Services. Under the FWA, the University has agreed to ensure that all research projects conducted by RMU faculty, students, and employees involving human subjects comply with the ethical principles of the Belmont Report and the federal regulations regarding the health and welfare of human research subjects.
What must be reviewed by the IRB?
- IRB must review all projects that meet the definition of research and that involve human subjects prior to any data collection to determine the appropriate level of review (Exempt, Expedited, or Full), and, as appropriate, approve them.
- Investigators should not decide for themselves if the project is not research involving human subjects. The IRB should make this determination (Except for classroom activities and case reports which generally do not meet the federal definition of human subjects research.)
- Project activities may not begin before IRB Review. Investigators (students, faculty, or University employees) must bear in mind that the IRB is not permitted to grant approval of a project “after the fact,” even if it could have been classified as exempt.
- Student investigators who are unsure whether their project needs to be reviewed by the IRB should first check with their faculty advisor.
Resources
Guidance on the IRB submission process and all IRB documents can be found in a Canvas course IRB101. Contact the IRB to be enrolled in the course. (Note some degree programs will determine when students are enrolled.)
Questions should be directed to Ms. Darcy Hammar, Director of HRPP, or Dr. Lindsey Fast, IRB Analyst, at irb@rm.edu.
IRB Staff
Paul Stoneman
PT, DPT, PhD, OCS, SCS
Institutional Review Board Chair