The University of Utah Institutional Review Board (IRB) is responsible for reviewing research projects that study people. IRB review makes sure that research meets high ethical standards, as well as federal and state laws. The IRB prides itself on serving the University’s researchers and the people who agree to take part in research across the State of Utah, the United States, and other countries all over the world.
The University of Utah Institutional Review Board (IRB) is seeking community volunteers to assist in reviewing medical, social, and behavioral research. Community volunteers represent the thoughts and concerns of community. They help to make sure a research project is the best interests of the community and is communicated in a way that the community can understand.
The IRB currently convenes several times per month on varying days and times. Convened board meetings usually last 2-3 hours, and each board member attends one meeting each month.
The requirements for becoming a community representative of the IRB include:
- Agreeing to serve for 3 years;
- Committing to reviewing 2-5 research projects per month (approximately 10 hours a month);
- Agreeing to attend monthly meetings (approximately 2 hours per month); and
- Be comfortable using a computer, the internet, email, and document viewing platforms (e.g. Word and PDFs).
Community representatives cannot have any personal or immediate family affiliation
with:
- The University of Utah,
- Primary Children’s Hospital,
- The Veteran Affairs Salt Lake City Health Care System, or
- Shriner's Hospitals for Children - Salt Lake City.
Though community representatives are NOT considered hired employees of the IRB or the University of Utah, some compensation
for service may be available. Conditions apply.
If you are still interested in submitting an application, please complete this form.
You may also contact us at irbmembers@utah.edu or 801-581-3655 for more information.