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Who Are We?

An Institutional Review Board (IRB) is a committee of research experts and members of the community who review research projects that study people.  In the United States, all research that involves people, their data, or their biospecimens must be approved by an IRB before it begins. IRB review makes sure human subject research meets high ethical standards, as well as federal and local laws. At the University of Utah IRB, we pride ourselves on serving our medical, social, and behavioral research community, as well as the people who agree to take part in research across the State of Utah, the United States, and countries all over the world. Our members are carefully selected with these goals in mind. IRB members gain experience reviewing medical, social, and behavioral research. IRB service also offers an opportunity to hear about current research in Utah and network with the research community.  Members participate in ethical discussions relating to current studies and help represent the thoughts and concerns of the local community.

How IRBs Protect Human Research Participants

We are Recruiting Volunteers!

We are recruiting volunteers to serve as reviewing and voting members of the IRB.

 

Learn more about what its like to be an IRB board member and apply to join us! 

More Information

  • For board members, the monthly process is fairly predictable. The IRB meets several times each month and reviews and agenda of research study applications. At the meeting, members summarize the studies they were assigned to review the previous week and make recommendations regarding whether to approve the research.

  • Each board member is assigned to a specific “panel” or group of members. Each panel has scheduled meeting(s) each month. Some meetings last about 2 hours, while others are under an hour long. The length of the meeting depends on the size of the panel and the length of the agenda. Larger panels can take on more reviews, so the agenda is longer than that of smaller panels.

  • Annually, board members are required to complete continuing education and an annual evaluation. Our members also have standards for attendance and conduct that help us ensure the quality of our reviews reflect the high standards of excellence and compliance the University of Utah Human Research Protection Program (HRPP) requires.

  • The University of Utah IRB typically meets in the Research Administration Building on the U of U campus.  Some of our meetings are also conducted remotely via video conferencing.

    Research Administration Building
    75 South 2000 East, Room #117
    Salt Lake City, UT 84112

  • As a voting member of the IRB, you will:

    • Serve for a three-year term
    • Attend your assigned board meetings at the University of Utah
    • Complete electronic reviews of several applications each month
    • Present your reviews at the convened board meeting
    • Complete your annual evaluation and continuing education each year