Submissions from

other Faculties at AUB

All research involving human subjects may have to be reviewed by the Institutional Review Board (IRB).  The IRB recommends that all investigators planning studies on human subjects carefully read the document entitled: "IRB: Principles and Procedures".   Section V in that document enumerates the items that must be submitted to the IRB for proper evaluation of a research project.

Exemption from IRB Review:

Some proposals may be exempted from IRB review, in which case a special form for exemption must be submitted to the IRB in addition to the coversheet. The form lists the categories of research which qualify for exemption from IRB review.  The chairperson of the IRB will either approve the granting of the exemption or request a modified submission.

Expedited/Full Committee IRB Review:

Other proposals which involve minimal or no risk to human subjects may undergo expedited review (not requiring review by the full IRB).  A special application form should be filled by the principal investigator requesting this.  The form lists the categories of research which qualify for expedited review.  Decisions on these submissions are the responsibility of the chairperson of the IRB.  The same form must be submitted for all other proposals not eligible for expedited review.

The IRB may decide to refer the proposal back to the appropriate Faculty Research Committee or to other reviewers of its choosing for evaluation of the scientific merit of a proposal prior to undertaking its own evaluation.  It is, therefore, highly recommended that a submitted proposal be accompanied by the written evaluation of the Faculty Research Committee (if applicable).

Please refer to the IRB web page for details about the composition and function of the IRB.