If you are new to human subjects research, the IRB process can be overwhelming. This checklist will help you get started and keep you on track for submitting an Initial Application to the IRB and what to do after approval.
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鈥嬏�Are you a student? You will need a baby直播app member to be the Principal Investigator.
CU Boulder students are not allowed to be Principal Investigators (PI) for human subjects research. A CU Boulder baby直播app member must be the PI; students can be listed as Co-Investigators. -
鈥嬧赌嬏�Do you have access to eRA? If not, you may need a POI 苍耻尘产别谤.听
All IRB-related documents are submitted through the Electronic Research Administration Portal (eRA). If you do not have a current employment relationship with CU Boulder, you will need a Person of Interest (POI) number to access eRA. If you have a POI and still cannot access eRA, contact erahelp@colorado.edu for assistance. -
鈥嬧赌嬏�颁辞尘辫濒别迟别听DEPA.
All baby直播app, and any other employee or student involved in the design, conduct听and/or reporting of research听are required to submit a Disclosure of External Professional Activities (DEPA) Form to the Office of Conflicts of Interest & Commitment in order to meet University and federal conflicts of interest and commitment reporting requirements. All study staff listed on a protocol must meet this requirement.听 -
鈥嬧赌嬏�Complete appropriate CITI training.
All researchers involved with a protocol must complete the appropriate course for the research: Social Behavioral Research Investigators and Key Personnel (Basic Course)听or Biomedical Research Investigators and Key Personnel (Basic Course). All study staff listed on a protocol must meet this requirement. -
鈥嬧赌嬏�Read the Investigator Manual.
The Investigator Manual is designed to guide you through policies and procedures related to the conduct of human research. This manual will answer many common questions and will be a valuable reference throughout the lifetime of your study. -
鈥嬧赌嬏�Decide level of review.
There are two levels of review, Exempt and Non-Exempt, and each has its own set of required templates that are not interchangeable. The can help you decide if your research qualifies for an Exempt Determination. Any research that does not meet Exempt requirements is Non-Exempt and will be reviewed using Expedited of Convened Board procedures. If you are still unsure after using the Exempt Self-Assessment, contact the IRB. 听Note: The IRB reviewer will make the final decision regarding whether your research meets Exempt requirements. -
鈥嬧赌嬏�Develop study materials.
After determining if your research is Exempt or Non-Exempt, the next step is to download the corresponding required templates for Exempt or Non-Exempt Research from the IRB website. The IRB needs to review and approve final versions of everything you need to conduct research. This includes things that participants will see (or hear) such as the consent form, recruitment materials听and assessment tools; as well as documents participants will not see, like the protocol document. -
鈥嬧赌� Create an Initial Application and听submit materials in .
The Initial Application page provides helfpul information for what to include in your Initial Application. For step-by-step instructions on submitting materials to the eRA, see eRA Submission Guides.听 -
鈥嬧赌嬏�Wait for IRB response.听
The IRB review process takes time and the first response you receive from the IRB may not be an approval. An Exempt protocol could take 20 business days for a final determination. Non-Exempt research will likely take more than 20 business days or even longer for research that requires convened Board review. If the IRB requests additional information, see the Response page for your next steps.听 -
鈥嬧赌嬏�Download approved documents from eRA.
When completing the review process, the IRB will upload 鈥渙fficial鈥� approved versions of all study documents. After you have received an Exempt Determination or Approval letter from the IRB, you must download your study documents from eRA as you are required to use only these versions to conduct your research.听 -
鈥嬧赌嬏�Begin research.
After you have downloaded the approved documents, you may begin your research as described in the approved protocol. -
鈥嬧赌嬏�Manage ongoing research.
Throughout the course of your research, you may find that changes are needed, which are submitted for review via Amendment. Non-Exempt research will have an annual Check-in or Continuing Review, depending on the risk level of the research. All research requires a Final Review to close the record when the research is complete.