Who Are We?
An Institutional Review Board (IRB) is a committee of research experts and members of the community who review research projects that study people. In the United States, all research that involves people, their data, or their biospecimens must be approved by an IRB before it begins. IRB review makes sure human subject research meets high ethical standards, as well as federal and local laws.
At the University of Utah IRB, we pride ourselves on serving our medical, social, and behavioral research community, as well as the people who agree to take part in research across the State of Utah, the United States, and countries all over the world. Our members are carefully selected with these goals in mind.
IRB members gain experience reviewing medical, social, and behavioral research. IRB service also offers an opportunity to hear about current research in Utah and network with the research community. Members participate in ethical discussions relating to current studies and help represent the thoughts and concerns of the local community.
We are Recruiting Volunteers!
We need volunteers from the community to serve as voting members of the IRB.
Learn more about what it means to be an IRB board member below.
Submit Your Application Today!
| community member volunteer application |
| student volunteer application |
| Uu/faculty volunteer application |
MORE INFORMATION
What is the IRB Process?
What is the IRB Process?
For board members, the monthly process is fairly predictable. The IRB meets several times each month and reviews and agenda of research study applications. At the meeting, members summarize the studies they were assigned to review the previous week and make recommendations regarding whether to approve the research.
Each board member is assigned to a specific “panel” or group of members. Each panel has a scheduled meeting(s) each month. Some meetings last about 2 hours, others are under an hour long. The length of the meeting depends on the size of the panel and the length of the agenda. Larger panels can take more reviews, so the agenda is longer than smaller panels.
Each application on the agenda is assigned to a "primary reviewer" a week before the meeting. Each reviewer is assigned 1-6 applications to review per meeting.
The reviewer completes a detailed checklist for each application they are assigned and prepares a brief presentation of the application.
At the meeting, the reviewer summarizes the application for the convened board at the meeting and recommends whether the application should be approved. Each application is discussed by the board, and a vote is taken.
After the meeting, the IRB staff complete final processing of the application and follow up with reviewers as needed.
Annually, board members are required to complete continuing education and an annual evaluation. Our members also have standards for attendance and conduct that help us ensure the quality of our reviews reflect the high standards of excellence and compliance the University of Utah Human Research Protection Program (HRPP) requires.
Where Does the IRB Meet?
Where Does the IRB Meet?
The University of Utah IRB typically meets in the Research Administration Building on the U of U campus. Some of our meetings are also conducted remotely via video conferencing.
Research Administration Building
75 South 2000 East, Room #117
Salt Lake City, UT 84112
What Will I Do?
What Will I Do?
As a voting member of the IRB, you will:
- Serve for a three-year term
- Attend your assigned board meetings at the University of Utah
- Complete electronic reviews of several applications each month
- Present your reviews at the convened board meeting
- Complete your annual evaluation and continuing education each year