In accordance with Health and Human Services Regulations for Protection of Human Subjects (45 CFR 46), an Institutional Review Board (IRB) composed of members from a variety of scientific disciplines and individuals from the community, assists investigators in the protection of the rights and welfare of human subjects.
What is the Institutional Review Board (IRB)?
The University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) IRB was established to ensure the protection of all human subjects in research projects conducted by anyone on the premises of:
- UNMC
- Nebraska Medicine
- Children's Hospital & Medical Center (CH&MC)
- University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO)
In addition, the IRB has oversight for all research that is conducted elsewhere by faculty, students, staff, or other representatives of these institutions.
The IRB also serves to facilitate valuable human subject research, as well as protect the investigator and the institutions through a comprehensive review process. All human subject research projects must be reviewed and approved by the IRB prior to initiation and then conducted in full compliance with the federal regulations and institutional policies.
Federalwide Assurance (FWA) # 00002939
Effective through August 8, 2021
Required Training in Protection of Human Research Subjects
The Institution, which includes UNMC, The Nebraska Medical Center and UNO, requires all investigators, study personnel, and protocol coordinators, including student researchers, engaged in human subjects research to undergo training in the protection of human subjects utilizing the Collaborative IRB Training Initiative (CITI). IRB will review an application but is not authorized to approve the project until all key personnel is trained and certified.
When you are ready to proceed with the Mandatory Training Program, please register at the CITI website.
IRB Education Assistance
The IRB Education assistance provides a great way for faculty, staff, and students who are involved or interested in human subject research to understand and navigate the IRB process. For additional assistance check to see if your project requires an IRB
Consent Form Readability Standards Announcement
In response to Common Rule requirements, beginning October 31, 2019, consent forms must satisfy minimum readability standards; specifically, the Flesch Kincaid reading level and Flesch Reading Ease. Please see more about readability standards and how to get started or contact the Office of Research and Creative Activity.