IRB?

The Human Subjects Review Board/Institutional participants Review Board (IRB) is a review committee established to help protect the rights and welfare of human research, including biological materials (blood, tissue, etc.).  Federal regulations require that an IRB review and approve research involving human subjects if it is funded or regulated by the federal government.  Most research institutions, professional organizations and scholarly journals, including Iona College, have chosen to apply the same requirements to all human research, regardless of the funding source.

The IRB at Iona College is guided by the principles outlined in the Belmont Report of the National Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects of Biomedical and Behavioral Research (April 18, 1979). In order to fulfill its mission, the IRB carefully reviews research proposals to determine the following:

• Respect for persons
• Risks to subjects are minimized and are reasonable in relation to expected benefits of the research
• Selection of subjects is equitable
• Informed consent is obtained from each subject or legal representative
• Data collection is monitored where applicable
• Privacy and confidentiality of research subjects is protected

What Authority does an IRB have?

An IRB has the authority to:

• Approve research
• Require research modification
• Disapprove research
• Conduct continuing reviews
• Observe/verify changes
• Suspend or terminate approval

Who are the Members and What is the Protocol for Selection?

The membership of the IRB may vary at any given time, depending upon people's availability/work requirements, etc. As a general rule, however, the IRB is composed of at least five members, including one member not affiliated with Iona College, representing varied academic disciplines. In addition, regulations also stipulate that the members are chosen based on their experience and expertise in all areas of research being reviewed; diversity of backgrounds; knowledge of institutional commitments, regulations, and standards of professional conduct; and knowledge and experience with vulnerable populations.

Membership Qualifications and Responsibilities are described in a separate section. In addition to the criteria specified in that section, hearings of the IRB may also include the following:

• Consultant: A consultant shall be considered when the IRB determines that the proposal demands a consultation from an outside source.
• Representatives of special groups: In cases where research proposals focus on vulnerable populations, consultants or members knowledgeable about that population should be included in the review.

Research Conducted by Investigators not Affiliated with Iona College

The IRB at Iona College is required to review proposals from investigators not affiliated with Iona College when their research proposes to use the College's facilities, students, faculty, or staff as research participants. Investigators must first obtain approval from their own institution's Institutional Review Board before undergoing the process at Iona College. Researchers not affiliated with the College will be assigned a faculty advisor to assure that the highest standards are maintained.

Research Conducted by Students not Affiliated with Iona College

When students from other institutions wish to conduct research at Iona, the following will apply

• An Iona faculty member is initially identified to serve as "point person". This person will be the relevant department chair.
• Students submits our Tier I IRB form and approved forms from their and other institutions, if any.
• To gain access to our students, application must clearly spell out procedures; electronic surveys must be forwarded by the Iona liaison; and in-class survey procedure must be worked out between the researcher and the Iona faculty member.
• After IRB approval, the outside investigator will be assigned to either a faculty point person or the Office of Student Development. This person will be identified as "liaison" on the approval form.