This video walks you through the process of applying to the IRB. 

Best practices would have us guide you to complete the application via the download above and prepare all of your ancillary materials (consent/assent form, advertising materials, etc.) before using the online application. 

Debriefing participants after that have provided you with their time is an essential part of the research process. A careful debriefing provides you with an opportunity to address any potential misunderstandings or distress caused by the study. Additionally, debriefing helps participants feel valued and respected, fostering a positive perception of research participation. 

Data privacy and security are crucial in research to protect participants' personal information from unauthorized access and misuse. Ensuring data privacy and security builds trust between researchers and participants, complies with legal and ethical standards, and prevents potential harm that could arise from data breaches or misuse. By safeguarding data, we maintain the integrity of the research process and respect the rights and confidentiality of our participants.

In your IRB application, it is very important that you clearly outline the steps you will take to secure your participants' privacy.

Ethical considerations in recruitment and compensation are vital to ensure the integrity and credibility of research. Recruitment should be conducted transparently and respectfully, with clear communication about the study’s purpose, procedures, and criteria. Compensation should be fair, appropriate, and timely, without exerting undue influence on participants. 

If you are conducting research at Transy using Transy facilities, resources, or students, but have IRB approval from another institution, the Transy IRB must have a record of your project. Use this form to REGISTER your study with the Transy IRB. 

It is standard practice that renewals of research happen regularly. Expedited studies should be renewed or reviewed by the IRB every 3 years unless otherwise instructed. Fully Reviewed studies should be reviewed and renewed yearly. See above for the Transy IRB forms for renewal and amendment. Use the online application to submit your renewal of research or amendment to research. 

Serious adverse events (SAEs) in research refer to any undesirable experiences associated with the conduct of a study that result in significant harm or poses a substantial risk to participants. These events must be promptly reported. Types of events that need to be reported include death, life-threatening situations, hospitalization (initial or prolonged), persistent or significant disability or incapacity, and any other condition that investigators deem to pose a significant threat to participant health and well-being. In the case of a participant experiencing any adverse event, it is the researcher's responsibility to stop the study immediately and contact the IRB before resuming. See the above document for how to report an SAE.

At the end of your research, it is imperative that you let the IRB know the study objectives have been met and that you will no longer be recruiting participants or collecting data. See the Transy IRB closure form above and then use the online application here to submit your closure form.