Charleston Southern University's Institutional Review Board
(IRB) was formed in 2003 as a response to the increase in
research projects being conducted on campus.
· The
IRB is composed of six faculty and a minimum of two off-campus
appointees.
· The
IRB is responsible for protecting the rights and welfare
of human and animal research subjects that participate
in research activities conducted under the auspices of the
University.
· The
approval of an IRB is necessary before publication in many
scientific journals. Further, many granting agencies
require IRB approval before research would be funded.
· Generally,
there are three categories of IRB review: Exempt, Expedited,
and Full. Research that is completely
anonymous, does not involve sensitive topics, and does not
involve a fragile population is exempt. Research that does
not involve children or sensitive topics, but does not fit
the requirements for exempt is considered expedited. Research
involving sensitive matters such as sexual or political behavior
or involving children requires a full review.
· If
a researcher is not sure which level of review is required,
he or she should submit a one-page query to
the IRB.
· All
individuals conducting or supervising research should undergo
training as available through the NIH at http://cme.nci.nih.gov/.
Individuals collecting data must provide a copy of the certificate
that demonstrates completion of this course. IRB members
must demonstrate completion of the IRB course available at
the same site.
