What is the role of the Institutional Review Board (IRB)?

The IRB is responsible for reviewing and monitoring research programs involving human subjects conducted by faculty, staff, and students, regardless of funding source. It has the authority to approve, require modifications (to secure approval), or disapprove research projects if they pose more than minimal risk to human subjects. The IRB review process ensures, both in advance and through periodic reviews, that appropriate steps are taken by investigators to protect participants’ rights and welfare. Approval must be obtained from the IRB before recruitment; “after-the-fact” approval is not granted.

MTSU’s IRB is guided by ethical principles outlined in The Belmont Report, and federal regulations from the Department of Health and Human Service (45 CFR 46) and the Food and Drug Administration (21 CFR 50 and 56)