I've Applied--Now What?
After you've submitted a formal application, the IRB follows the steps below to process and approve a proposed study in compliance with federal guidelines. You may wish to use this page as a checklist of instructions/steps required before your research begins.
1. You complete and submit a formal application.
See How Do I Apply? for details.
For students: Your application is not officially submitted to the IRB until your research advisor approves it. When you submit your application online, we will immediately notify your advisor via email. However, you may wish to contact your advisor directly to ensure that he or she gives it a prompt review.
2. The application is processed by the IRB Committee.
All applications begin to be processed at 5:00 p.m. on the Thursday after submission. However, student applications will be revised by the student's Research Advisor before they are processed. Learn more about how applications are processed.
3. You receive e-mail notification of the IRB decision.
Within 10 days after the processing has started, the IRB will send an e-mail notifying you of the study's approval, or requesting that you supply missing/additional information.
- If missing/additional information is requested, you must complete a revised application and resubmit it. Return to step 1 above.
According to Federal regulations, certain types of research must be discussed by the entire committee meeting in person. If your project turns out to fall within this category, there will be a delay in processing your application until the committee's next scheduled meeting. If this happens, you will be informed by email of the delay and the date by which you will hear back from the committee.
4. Research may begin.
Once you receive e-mail notification of approval from the IRB, you may begin your research immediately. You do not have to wait for the formal letter of notification.