Overview

Composed of faculty and staff from the arts, sciences, and related professions, the IRB reviews approximately 60 applications per year to ensure all NU research complies with federal regulations governing the protection of human subjects (45 CFR 46; Tri-Council Policy Statement).

Each application is reviewed by members of the board to ensure the following criteria are met:

• Risks to subjects are minimized
• Risks to subjects are reasonable in relation to anticipated benefits
• Selection of subjects is equitable
• Informed consent is adequate and appropriately documented
• Data is collected in such a way as to ensure the safety of subjects
• Adequate provisions are made to protect the privacy of subjects
• Adequate provisions are made to maintain confidentiality of data
• Appropriate additional safeguards are included to protect vulnerable subjects

Reviewers, usually two per application, have the option of recommending approval, approval with conditions, disapproval, or exemption of the research from the purview of the IRB. The average processing time for each application is two weeks.