Purpose of the IRB

The chief responsibility of the IRB is to decide whether research projects place subjects at risk, and if so:

1. Will the risks be outweighed by the benefits to the subject and the knowledge to be gained from the study?
2. Will the rights and welfare of subjects be adequately protected?
3. Will legally effective, informed consent be secured from subjects?
4. Will ethically appropriate, informed consent be secured from subjects?
5. Will the protocol meet all standards established by the federal government and University guidelines, including those pertaining to special populations such as minors, pregnant women, and prisoners?

NOTE: In reviewing proposals, the IRB will utilize federal statutes contained in 45 CFR 46.111 (Criteria for IRB approval of research). If procedures included in a proposal are deemed to be inconsistent with sound research design or if a proposal appears to be so scientifically flawed that no valid conclusions can be reached, then the IRB will consider rejection of the proposal based on poor risk/benefit ratio for the potential subjects and the academic institution.

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