Institutional Review Board (IRB)

The IRB process is guided by federal rules and regulations from the Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP), a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The review process is based on the Protection of Human Subjects Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), 45 CFR § 46 (also referred to as the Common Rule), requiring institutions receiving federal funds to have all research involving human subjects be approved by the IRB.

The IRB follows the definition of Research and Human Subject as stated in 45 CFR § 46:

• "Research means a systematic investigation, including research development, testing, and evaluation, designed to develop or contribute to generalizable knowledge." — 45 CFR § 46.102(l)
• "Human subject means a living individual about whom an investigator (whether professional or student) conducting research: (i) Obtains information or biospecimens through intervention or interaction with the individual, and uses, studies, or analyzes the information or biospecimens; or (ii) Obtains, uses, studies, analyzes, or generates identifiable private information or identifiable biospecimens." — 45 CFR § 46.102(e)

Research conducted at international campuses must also follow all applicable processes of the country where research is taking place. Documentation that international processes have been followed must also be submitted to Webster University's IRB.

Researchers can find forms and additional information on Connections (requires login).

The IRB is comprised of faculty with backgrounds and expertise reflective of the types of research proposals regularly submitted for review. Thus, members will be drawn primarily from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Science and Health, and the Schools of Business and Technology, Communications, and Education. The Chair is appointed by the President (or designee) in consultation with the Faculty Senate, while remaining members will be appointed by the Chair, with final approval coming from the President (or designee). Additional members may be appointed by the Chair as needed in order to provide appropriate disciplinary expertise. In addition, the IRB includes one non-faculty, non-scientist, non-affiliated member.

The Webster University IRB is supported by the Office of Academic Affairs.