This page contains frequent questions that have been asked of the IRB Co-Chairs in the past.  If your question or the answer is not found here,  the best source is the IRB.  Contact us at irb@francis.edu. 

 
 Does my research require IRB oversight? 

The IRB follows the federal guidelines and definitions with regards to research with human participants.  Two key components are research and human subjects.  According to the regulations, "research means a systematic investigation, including research development, testing and evaluation, designed to develop or contribute to generalizable knowledge." [45 CFR 46.102(d)].  A human subject, according to the regulations, "means a living individual about whom the investigator (whether professional or student) conducting research obtains (1) data through intervention or interaction with the individual, or (2) identifiable private information." [45 CFR 465.102(f)] 

 How long will it take for the IRB to approve my application? 

A typical application (exempt or expedited) will take at least 2 weeks from the time that the IRB receives the completed application and supplemental materials.  The Full Board meets regularly, at least once a month, throughout each semester.  If your application requires a Full Board Review, you must have all materials submitted at least 7 days before the regularly scheduled meeting to be reviewed at that meeting.  Otherwise, it will not be reviewed until the next scheduled meeting.

For the 2022-2023 Academic Year, the Full Board meetings occur on the third Friday of every month during the semesters.

 Who needs to have the Ethics training? 

Anyone who is engaged in research involving human participants or associated with a research project involving human participants, needs to complete research ethics training.  Please see Protection of Human Subjects Training for more details and instructions on how to complete the training.

 Does my adviser need to sign my application? 

If you are a student conducting research with human participants, you must have a full-time faculty member advising you on your project.  Your adviser must complete the Ethics Protecting Human Research Participants program or have a certificate from another institution.  This certificate must be submitted with your application or be on file with the IRB office.