IRB service is a core faculty responsibility that brings peer expertise to ethical review and helps maintain reliable review timelines. As research activity at the University of Utah continues to increase, maintaining timely and high‑quality IRB review requires participation from faculty in all departments.
Some departments with active research submissions have limited or no faculty representation on the IRB, increasing reviewer burden and affecting review efficiency. To that end, the IRB is seeking faculty volunteers from underrepresented departments to serve as board members.
IRB board member participation helps ensure appropriate review expertise, fair and efficient review timelines, and share oversight stewardship.
What does IRB membership involve?
- Monthly attendance at one 2-hour convened meeting
- Advance review of assigned protocols aligned with your expertise
- Appointment term of 3 years
- Training and ongoing administrative support
In the interest of transparency, we also want researchers to be aware that studies originating from departments without sufficient IRB representation may experience longer review timelines as we work to secure appropriate expertise.
We welcome engagement and discussion about how IRB service might fit within departmental service expectations and are happy to speak with individual faculty members or department leadership about options for participation, workload, and support.
If you are interested in serving or would like to explore what IRB membership entails, please contact Annie Snow, IRB Director, annie.snow@hsc.utah.edu. Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting the IRB’s mission and ethical research at the University of Utah.
Questions? If you have any questions or need assistance, contact the IRB office at 801-581-3655 or irb@hsc.utah.edu.