Research Ethics & Integrity / Institutional Review Board and Research Protocol Screening

Research Ethics & Integrity (REI) assurance falls within Academic Affairs to ensure that research being conducted by SMU faculty, staff or students is ethical and meets the Federal Requirements (45 CFR 46) for the protection of human subjects. Academic Affairs supports two processes for the review of research activities. The Research Protocol Screening (RPS) process, considers research protocols that meet the federal criteria (45 CFR 46) for being exempt or those not involving human subjects. Exempt determinations and non-human subject research (NHSR) are made through the RPS. The Institutional Review Board (IRB) reviews research involving human subjects using full review or expedited review procedures for non-exempt studies.

Additional Resources

Investigators conducting research are responsible for reporting any unanticipated problems or adverse events involving risks to research participants. Please submit a written report of any such problems by filling out the Adverse Event Report Form (coming soon) and submitting it to the IRB Administrator immediately.

If your study is now complete, please fill out the Final Report Form and submit it to the IRB Administrator.

Research or Projects require Protocol Screening or IRB Review if they:

• Involve humans, human tissue, or data gathered about human subjects; and

• Are conducted by SMU faculty, students, or staff; or on University premises; or with University equipment; or research on University faculty, students, or staff.

Submission Timeline
  • The IRB meets quarterly and as needed to accommodate submissions for studies requiring Full Review. Applications should be submitted to the IRB Administrator within the first few business days of the month in order that an IRB quorum can be scheduled. Reviews will be completed within three to four weeks from date of submission.
  • Studies qualifying for Expedited Review may be submitted to the IRB Administrator at any time. Reviews will be completed within two to three weeks.
  • Studies / projects meeting the criteria for Exemption may be submitted through the Protocol Screening Process at any time. Reviews will be completed within one to two weeks.

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