Applications

Researchers must receive IRB approval before beginning any research involving human subjects.

PLEASE NOTE THAT WE ARE USING OUR NEW APPLICATIONS

This page includes application forms, instructions, and details about necessary supporting materials.

All Colby College researchers, including faculty, staff, and students, must submit an official IRB application and receive approval before beginning any research involving human subjects.

Separate applications are provided below for faculty/staff and students, reflecting different submission and approval requirements. Please be sure to use the correct form for your role.

Application Forms

Note you must be connected to Colby Wi-Fi or VPN to be able to access and download these applications

Download Faculty/Staff Application Using This Hyperlink

- - Please take time to review Colby College IRB policies and guidance materials related to human subjects research. These resources are provided to help you navigate the process and support ethical, compliant research. The IRB is here to support and guide you through this process, and we encourage you to reach out with any questions as you prepare your application. institutionalreviewboard@colby.edu.
  - Rename the downloaded application as: IRB Application_Faculty: YOUR LAST NAME and data (example: IRB_Application_Faculty: Doore_12_1_25)
  - Complete all sections of the application. If a question does not apply, enter "N/A."
  - All researchers must complete the CITI ethics training or submit documentation of equivalent training.
    - Attach your CITI Certificate (or equivalent) to your application email.
  - Insert related documents, such as consent forms, debriefing scripts, survey instruments, interview guides, or observation protocols, at the end of your completed application document.
  - Submit Your Application: Email your completed application and CITI training certificate(s) to: institutionalreviewboard@colby.edu

Download Student Application Using This Hyperlink. NOTE: Student Application (requires faculty/instructor supervision and signature)

- - Please take time to review Colby College IRB policies and guidance materials related to human subjects research. These resources are provided to help you navigate the process and support ethical, compliant research. The IRB is here to support and guide you through this process, and we encourage you to reach out with any questions as you prepare your application. institutionalreviewboard@colby.edu.
  - Rename the file as: IRB Application_Student: YOUR LAST NAME and date (example: IRB_Application_Student: Yang_12_1_25)
  - Complete all sections of the application. If a question does not apply, enter "N/A."
  - Your faculty supervisor must review your application and sign the form to confirm approval before submission. Applications without a supervisor's signature will not be accepted.
    - NOTE: All student research involving human subjects conducted outside the United States requires Colby IRB review. If you plan to conduct human subjects research while abroad, please obtain Colby IRB approval before you travel. This requirement applies whether your research is part of a study-abroad program, an independent project, a senior thesis, or a collaboration with another institution.
  - All researchers must complete the CITI ethics training or submit documentation of equivalent training.
    - Attach your CITI Certificate (or equivalent) to your application email.
  - Insert related documents, such as consent forms, debriefing scripts, survey instruments, interview guides, or observation protocols, at the end of your completed application document.
  - Submit Your Application: Email your completed application and CITI training certificate(s) to: institutionalreviewboard@colby.edu

Sample Materials

Sample consent form – Use this form to obtain informed consent from participants before beginning the research procedure.
Sample permission-to-record form – If you wish to take photographs, audio recordings, or video recordings of research participants, then use this form in addition to a standard consent form, or integrate the permission-to-record prompts into your consent form.
Sample consent for an anonymous survey – If you plan to administer an anonymous survey that does not collect any personally identifying information from participants, you may insert this consent information, instead of a full consent form, at the beginning of your survey.
Sample debriefing form – Use this form to provide more information about your research project to participants after they have completed the research procedure.