What is an IRB?
An Institutional Review Board insures the protection of human subjects through review
and approval of all research* proposed to take place under the auspices of NSCC.
*Research is defined as a "systematic investigation, including research development,
testing and evaluation, designed to contribute to generalizable knowledge."
What prompted codifying the protection of human subjects?
Atrocities such as medical experimentation conducted by Nazi Germany and the Tuskegee
Syphilis Experiment conducted between 1932 and 1972 by the U.S. Public Health Service
led respectively to the Nuremburg Code and the Belmont Report that set forth the ethical
principles that are the foundation for acceptable investigator conduct that involves
human subjects. In 1981 the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare (now
the Department of Health and Human Services) codified regulations regarding human
subjects (45 CFR Part 46). In 1991 similar regulations were adopted by 17 federal
agencies and are known as the "Common Rule".
Why is NSCC creating an IRB?
Many grant proposals including those submitted to the National Science Foundation
now require that colleges verify compliance with IRB regulations. The IRB is the entity
through which a college demonstrates compliance.
Secondarily, the establishment of an IRB requires that the whole academic community
increase its understanding about research and its role in learning both on an individual
and institutional level. The IRB process will help develop organization-wide knowledge
about research, its design and the ethical and legal requirements.
How is an IRB structured?
Size and Membership
The IRB must have at least 5 members with varying background to promote complete and
adequate review of research activities commonly conducted by the institution. Membership
should reflect the demographics of the institution and community and must not be comprised
of all women or all men. Additionally it must have at least one member whose primary
concerns are in scientific areas and at least one member whose primary concerns are
in nonscientific areas. It must also include at least one member who is not affiliated
with the institution. An IRB may invite individuals with competence in special areas
to assist in the review of issues which require expertise beyond or in addition to
that available on the IRB.
Frequency of Meetings
Three meetings per academic year occurring in September, January and May.
IRB Responsibilities
- Written procedures and guidelines for submission of research proposals
- Review and approval of all research proposals, both new and annual review
- Maintenance of records
More Information
The Department of Health and Human Services maintains pages with information on Institutional
Review Boards and Federalwide Assurances (FWA). Both are listed below:
IRBs and Assurances
IRB Registration Process