About the IRB

What is the Mission of the SU IRB? 

Seattle University's Institutional Review Board and its Office of Research Oversight strive to ensure that all research studies involving human subject participants

• Treat the participants with dignity.
• Protect participants adequately from risk of harm.
• Implement an ongoing informed consent process so participants may voluntarily and knowledgeably participate in research.

To accomplish this mission, the IRB will

• Educate students, faculty, and staff about ethical principles, federal regulations, and SU policies regarding human subjects research.
• Guide researchers through protocol submission requirements and review protocols by applying these ethical principles.
• Seek to efficiently process and review applications, track and monitor research activities, and conduct regular self-audits to ensure the continuing effectiveness of the IRB.
• Engage in professional development to stay abreast of changing regulations and evolving trends in human subjects research.

To assist the IRB in achieving these goals, all SU affiliates conducting human subjects research must adhere to the policies outlined throughout this site. These policies will be reviewed regularly and updated as necessary to reflect best practices in the field.

What is the IRB's Regulatory Authority?

The IRB seeks to create a collaborative relationship with the SU research community to ensure research with human subjects proceeds in accordance with legal requirements, the principles of Respect for Persons, Beneficence, and Justice outlined in the Belmont Report, and ethical codes of conduct codified in the Common Rule (Title 45, Part 46, Protection of Human Subjects), including Subparts B (regarding pregnant women and neonates), C (regarding prisoners), and D (regarding children).

In consultation with faculty members and Seattle University administrators, the SU IRB has developed institutional policies and procedures to make sure proposed and ongoing human research complies with these laws, codes, and principles.

Who serves on the IRB?

In addition to complying with Federal regulations on IRB composition, the SU IRB staff and members reflect the combined expertise needed to review the various types of research protocols submitted. Our non-scientific member and non-affiliated members help represent the views of non-researchers and the local community. IRB members are appointed for rotating, 1- to 3-year terms by the Provost after consultation with the IRB Chair and the Director of Research Oversight.