What is the role of the Institutional Review Board (IRB)?

 

The IRB is charged with reviewing and monitoring research programs carried out by faculty/staff and students that involve human subjects regarless of the source of funding.  It also has the authority to approve, require modifications (to secure approval), or disapprove research projects should the study pose more the minimal risk to the human subjects.  The purpose of an IRB review process is to assure, both in advance and by periodic review, that appropriate steps are taken by the investigators to protect the rights and welfare of humans participants.  Approval to recruit human participants must be obtained from the IRB prior to starting the study - the IRB will not give "after the fact" approval.
 
MTSU's IRB is guided by ethical principles outlined in The Belmont Report, and federal regulations from the Department of Health and Human Service (45 CFR 46) and the Food and Drug Administration (21 CFR 50 and 56).

 

Click here to watch an OHRP video on the IRB Membership

 

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