Institutional Review Board: How to Initiate a Review

Here are the steps to follow to initiate an IRB review of a research project:

1. Complete a narrative research proposal 

In most cases the proposal need not include an extensive literature review or references.  However, the proposal must:

• Identify a clear research hypothesis.
• Demonstrate that the study design is appropriate to test the hypothesis.
• Demonstrate that the research contributes to generalizable knowledge, and the risks to subjects are reasonable in relation to anticipated benefits and the importance of knowledge that may reasonably be expected to result.
• Identify criteria used to select or enroll research subjects.
• For studies involving subjects likely to be vulnerable to coercion or undue influence, identify all appropriate protections in place for vulnerable subjects.
• Identify a procedures and protocols to ensure that informed consent is obtained from research subjects (or their legally authorized representative).
• Demonstrate that procedures are in place to maximize subject privacy and confidentiality is maximized.
• If the research involves collaboration, provide procedures to ensure that all members of the research team understand and agree to be bound by the research protocol identified in the research proposal and stipulated by the IRB.

2. Complete the IRB Request for Review form  

The IRB Request for Review form asks for a brief summary of the research proposal and allows the IRB to determine which type of review is required.  The form also provides instructions on the order in which the proposal and any supplemental materials (e.g., questionnaires, informed consent notices) should be prepared.

3. Submit IRB Request for Review form, informed consent forms, and questionnaire surveys

Submit the completed IRB Request for Review form to your school or college's representative.  Informed consent forms and questionnaire surveys should also be included.  The research proposal need not be sent to the IRB unless it is specifically requested during the review process.  Submissions of student-directed research must originate from the student's faculty advisor.

4. Electronic submissions ONLY

The IRB requires electronic submission (via email attachment) of all materials.  The email address of origination must be the institutional UP email address of the principal investigator (or in the case of student research, the UP email address of the supervising faculty member.)

An IRB designate will acknowledge receipt of the materials, and inform the submitting party of the results of the review (including requests for additional information or modification of the research plan) as soon as is possible.

5. Follow up

The principal investigator shall communicate with the IRB when the research is completed and confirm that all agreed-upon protocols were followed. If any revisions to the study protocol, consent form, or any supportive materials are made, or new materials that may have human subject implications are added, The University of Portland IRB Study Continuing Review Revision Form must be submitted.

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