If this is your first time applying for IRB review, start here: APPLYING FOR IRB REVIEW.

Research is broadly defined as “a systematic investigation, including research development, testing, and evaluation, designed to develop or contribute to generalizable knowledge.” (45 CFR 46.102l). Human subjects are defined as “a living individual about whom an investigator (whether professional or student) conducting research: (i) Obtains information or biospecimens through intervention or interaction with the individual, and uses, studies, or analyzes the information or biospecimens; or(ii) Obtains, uses, studies, analyzes, or generates identifiable private information or identifiable biospecimens.”

These definitions, and the federal “Common Rule,” applies to all research involving human subjects at UC, regardless of its funding source.

Social science, behavioral, historic, linguistic and marketing research studies involving human subjects must be reviewed by and receive approval from, the IRB. Review must always take place prior to the time the research begins.