Cont'd. IRB Submission and Review Procedures

How do I submit my research for review by the IRB?

The IRB submission process is completely electronic. Applications are created and submitted for review through the IRBWise website:

http://sbsirbwise.uchicago.edu/.

New users can quickly and easily set up an SBS IRBWise account by sending an email with the user's name, department, University position, and CNET ID to sbsirbwise@listhost.uchicago.edu.

When do I submit my research for review by the IRB?

When submitting projects, sufficient time should be allowed for review. A schedule of the IRB Board meetings and submission deadlines are posted on the SBS IRB website. The IRB Board meets at least once monthly during the academic year and as needed at other times. For projects requiring review by the convened IRB, proposals must be submitted two weeks prior to a scheduled meeting in order to be placed on the meeting's agenda. Projects eligible for expedited review procedures are reviewed on an ongoing basis and are generally not considered by the committee at its meetings. These projects are reviewed throughout the calendar year, and the review process generally is completed within two to three weeks from the date of submission.

For additional information about the SBS IRB's review procedures, please consult the IRB Manual or contact the IRB Staff.

How will my research be reviewed?

The review of human subjects research protocols is confined solely to procedures associated with the ethical treatment of study participants. The review process focuses on such issues as minimizing risk to subjects, ensuring voluntary participation, and protecting participants' privacy and the confidentiality of information about them.

Where can I get assistance regarding IRBWise or human subjects research in general?

The SBS IRB Staff acts as liaison between the University's social and behavioral science research community and the IRB and is also able to answer questions about routing protocols to the appropriate University IRB office. If you have questions, problems, or inquiries about the policies and review practices of the SBS IRB, please call 773-834-7835 or email sbsirbwise@listhost.uchicago.edu.

To facilitate your use of IRBWise and to learn more about the issues involved in conducting human subjects research, the SBS IRB offers individualized one-hour training sessions. Please contact an IRB staff member to set up a training session for you or your department.

What happens if I do not comply with the University policy and Federal regulations regarding human subjects research?

If non-compliance is alleged, the IRB Chair will initiate an investigation. The researcher will be informed of the allegations and given ample time to respond. The IRB Chair will then review the relevant information and make a Report to the Institutional Official, including recommendations. Non-compliance can have serious consequences for both the researcher and the University: approval for the project may be terminated and the University could be placed at risk of losing Federal or other funding related to research activities. The IRB Chair is required to report cases of non-compliance directly to the appropriate Dean, with a copy to the Institutional Official who has executive responsibility for enforcement the University's FWA. If the Institutional Official determines the non-compliance to be either serious or continuing, it must be reported to OHRP and, if sponsored, to the sponsoring agency.