Institutional Review Board (IRB)
Institutional Review Board for Human Participants Research (IRB)
It is University policy to reasonably ensure that the rights and welfare of human participants are adequately protected in research conducted under its auspices. In addition, both federal and state laws require this protection. In order for the University to fulfill its responsibility, all human participants research conducted under University auspices must receive appropriate review and approval. The University has authorized the Institutional Review Board (IRB) to review and approve human participants’ research.
Visit the Antioch University IRB Application homepage for complete details, including the University policies, online application process and CITI modules.
How to apply
Click here for access to the AU IRB Application homepage. On the Application Homepage, you will find a Five Step application process that includes the IRB Handbook, ethics training modules, campus contacts, sample documents, and the online application. Please work through all five steps of the application.
The ethics training (CITI modules) require you to register with your AUID and password. You must complete the ethics modules before submitting your application. To submit your application you also must sign in with your AUID and password. Once an application is started, it can be saved along the way or emailed to oneself. Please follow the procedures for your campus/program for application approval prior to IRB consideration.
FAQs
What is human participants research?
“Human participants research” is defined as a systematic investigation designed to develop or contribute to generalizable knowledge, which involves the collection of data from or about living human beings (see Chapter 3 of the policy manual for more details on defining research).
Why must it be reviewed?
It is University policy to reasonably ensure that the rights and welfare of human participants are adequately protected in research conducted under its auspices. In addition, both federal and state laws require this protection. In order for the University to fulfill its responsibility, all human participants research conducted under University auspices must receive appropriate review and approval.
Who reviews it?
The University has authorized Institutional Review Boards for each campus and university program to review and approve human participants research.
Who must submit it?
Human participants research must be reviewed if it is conducted by any faculty, staff, student, or any person under the auspices of Antioch University.
How is it submitted?
Human participants research projects are submitted via a completed Application for Ethics Review. The form is available under step 5 of the Antioch University IRB Application homepage.
When does it have to be submitted?
When submitting projects, sufficient time should be allowed for adequate review. The IRB meeting schedules are posted on campus/program websites.
How will it be reviewed?
The review of human participants research is confined solely to procedures affecting the rights and welfare of human participants. No evaluation is made of the content or scientific merit of the project, unless participants are found to be "at risk," at which time the risk/benefit ratio of the project will be evaluated. The review focuses on such issues as risk to participants, voluntary participation, informed consent, and confidentiality.
The review of human participants research at Antioch University is a collaborative process intended to result in mutually acceptable research procedures which accomplish the investigator's scientific objectives while protecting the rights and welfare of the participants. The IRB tries to be as flexible as possible and reviews each project as a separate case rather than imposing rigid requirements. Every attempt is made to take into account all factors in determining the outcome of the review. The IRB sees its role as primarily educational and encourages consultation at all stages of the research process.
Where can I get assistance?
Each campus and university program has an IRB Chair and several IRB members. Your campus/program may designate specific departmental representatives as well. Please see the campus/program websites for specific information.