Human Subjects Institutional Review Board

Function

• Review research proposals that involve human subjects to ensure that they are in keeping with existing policies and regulations
• Advise investigators on safeguarding the rights and welfare of human subjects
• Recommend policies for safeguarding the rights and welfare of human subjects involved in research projects, in accordance with state and federal regulations

Composition

• The WSU Institutional Review Board (IRB) shall have at least 5 members, with varying backgrounds to promote complete and adequate review of research activities commonly conducted by the institution:
  • At least 1 member whose primary concerns are in scientific areas and at least 1 member whose primary concerns are in non-scientific areas
  • At least 1 member who is not otherwise affiliated with the institution and who is not part of the immediate family of a person who is affiliated with the institution
  • At least 1 physician
  • Director, Office of Research Assurances, and IRB coordinators may be members and serve
• Members will be predominantly faculty, however, WSU staff and graduate students may be members. Non-affiliated members may be any individual that enhances review of research projects.
• The IRB shall be sufficiently qualified through the experience and expertise of its members to ascertain the acceptability of proposed research in terms of institutional commitments and regulations, applicable law, and standards of professional conduct and practice.
• Individuals who are knowledgeable about and experienced in working vulnerable categories of subjects, such as children, prisoners, pregnant women, or handicapped or mentally disabled persons will be included in the WSU IRB.
• The IRB may not have a member participate in the IRB’s initial or continuing review of any project in which the member has a conflicting interest, except to provide information requested by the IRB.
• The WSU IRB may, at its discretion, invite individuals with competence in special areas to assist in the review of issues which require expertise beyond or in addition to that available on the IRB. These individuals may not vote with the IRB.

Tenure

IRB members will be appointed for 3-year terms. The chair shall be appointed by the president upon recommendation of the vice president for research. Members are recommended to the president by the vice president for research.

Responsible to the president through the vice president for research.