Welcome! If you are interested in human subject research you are in the right place.
Please read the update from March 2022 regarding Belmont IRB policy during the COVID-19 pandemic.
FOR NEW RESEARCH PROPOSALS
Before you read about the role of the IRB below, here are some links to important information:
- CITI Training (Under Policies and Procedures tab)
- Forms
- Steps for IRB submission
- IRB Committee Calendar
Please do not hesitate to contact Carole Scherling, IRB Chair, or any of the IRB committee members if you need assistance or have any questions. (Click here for member names and contact information.)
Role of the Belmont University IRB:
The IRB is an administrative committee established to provide ethical review and protection of the rights and welfare of human research subjects. The IRB is charged with reviewing all federally protected human subject studies conducted under the auspices of Belmont University. The work of the IRB is directed by federal regulation as outlined in Title 45, Part 46 of the Code of Federal Regulations (45 CRF 46). Specifically, the Belmont IRB
conducts initial review and approval or disapproval of the proposed research activity;- ensures that the proposed informed consent process meets all of the federal requirements; and
- provides continuing oversight for progress reports and protocols for ongoing research studies.
The Provost serves as the Institutional Officer for the IRB. The Belmont IRB committee is made up of Belmont faculty and staff, and middle Tennessee community members. Belmont faculty and staff who serve as IRB committee members are appointed by the Provost and serve three year terms which can be renewed. Members come from diverse backgrounds including scientific and non-scientific areas.
The IRB meets regularly, usually once a month. Although all research protocol applications are reviewed by IRB committee members, only reviews that qualify for a full board review come to the whole committee. The IRB meeting schedule can be found under “Calendar.”
If you are wondering why Belmont has an IRB, please see “IRB Background and Purpose” on this webpage for information about why we have an IRB.