The Institute of Brain Education (IBE) Institutional Review Board (IRB) is responsible for reviewing and approving research that involves human participants, including studies that use identifiable biospecimens. The IRB is established to ensure that all research participants are treated with respect, dignity, and appropriate safeguards. In addition, compliance with federal regulations requires that any federally funded research involving human participants receive IRB approval prior to initiation.

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The IRB oversees a broad range of research activities. This includes not only formal research studies, but also classroom-based projects and community-based research (CBR). Materials such as written journals, photographs, video recordings, and audio recordings that involve human participants are also subject to review. Please note that the IRB does not grant approval retroactively for research that has already been completed.

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To determine whether your project requires IRB review, please start here. Keep in mind the following:

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1. Certain categories of research that may qualify as exempt still require a limited review, particularly regarding how participant confidentiality is protected. You can identify the appropriate level of review by using the “Start Here” link above.

2. All researchers working with human participants must complete research ethics training, regardless of whether their project qualifies for exemption from full IRB review.