An Institutional Review Board (IRB) is a unit whose role is to review proposed and ongoing human subjects research within an institution to ensure that the guidelines for protection of human research subjects are being followed as outlined in 45 CFR 46 by OHRP. At Northwest, this means that the purpose is to make sure that all human subjects research being conducted on campus, or by investigators affiliated with the university, meets these guidelines for ethical research. Application and supplementary documents submitted for IRB review, as well as the information in this document, allow the IRB to fulfill this obligation.
The Northwest IRB reviews human subjects research for its adherence to ethical guidelines only. Project approval by the Northwest IRB should not be interpreted as an endorsement of the research questions being investigated. In addition, research with non-human animals is beyond the scope of the IRB and should be reviewed by the Northwest Animal Welfare Committee.
For more information, review MENU options, view the IRB Purpose and the Northwest IRB Submission Guide .
All projects should be submitted using the Northwest IRB Application document regardless of the level of review. In addition, all individuals involved in a research project must complete CITI training and submit certificates of completion prior to IRB approval. In this context, “all individuals” includes principal investigators, undergraduate researchers, faculty advisors, and anyone else involved in the research process. For more information, see MENU options at the top right corner of this webpage or consult the Northwest IRB Submission Guide .
IRB Chair and Contact | IRB Permanent Records Office Contact |
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Machelle Skinner 800 University Drive |
Tye Parsons |