Student investigators

How, when and why do student investigators have to apply for human and animal compliance committee (IRB or IACUC) review and approval?

Let's break this down:

How: Both the IRB's and IACUC's protocol submission procedures are found on the web.

The IRB has procedures and guidelines regarding student initiatied research -http://www.umbc.edu/irb/studentinitiatedresearch.htm. While the student may take on the role as the principal investigator of human research study, faculty advisors play an important role is in the student's design and development of human participant research project. The IRB hold the faculty advisor ultimately responsible for the protection of the subjects.

The IACUC's protocol submission procedures do not allow for a student to serve as a principal investigator of an animal research study, but may fully participate as a member of the research team. Review these procedures further at http://www.umbc.edu/iacuc/submissionreviewapproval.htm.

When: Protocols must be submitted as soon as possible to allow time for the members of the committees to adequately and appropriately review and approve the research. A few more specifics:

IRB

Exempt review may be submitted at any time, preferably two (2) weeks before an investigator intends to begin a project

Expedited review may be submitted at any time, preferably four (4) weeks before an investigator intends to begin a project

Full board reviewed research is considered at a convened meeting of the IRB and must be submitted four weeks before a scheduled meeting

IACUC

Animal research protocols are only reviewed at a convened meeting of the IACUC (other conditiions apply) and must be submitted at least 45 days before the scheduled meeting.

Why: In addition to the descriptions above, it's the right thing to do. Being a responsible researcher program encourages integrity in the pursuit of scientific investigation and discourages potential research misconduct and questionable research practices.