Research with Humans/IRB

Policy on Institutional Review Board Review and Approval 

The Institutional Review Board (IRB) at Fairleigh Dickinson is responsible for protecting the rights and welfare of human research subjects as defined by the federal health and human services regulations at 45 CFR 46 for the protection of human subjects in research. Any project meeting the definition of research with human subjects as outlined in the policy on Submission of Human Subjects Research to the IRB (link to policy) conducted and overseen by an agent of FDU, MUST be submitted to, reviewed, and approved by the IRB BEFORE implementation. Agents of FDU are faculty, students, and staff who are completing research on behalf of, for funding provided to, and/or representing FDU as an investigator on a study. The regulations at CFR Title 45, Part 46 Protections of Human Subjects may be found here.  

What is the IRB?  

The IRB is an independent regulatory board of the University operating under a Federalwide Assurance (FWA) with the Office of Human Research Protection (OHRP) of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Its actions are performed by ethical principles highlighted in The Belmont Report to ensure the protection of human subjects and must conform with all other applicable federal, state, local laws and regulations. 

The Board is authorized and accountable for (1) the review and approval of research involving human subjects according to federal regulations and FDU policies and procedures on the ethical conduct of research; (2) assuring that the ethical principles identified in the Belmont Report (Respect for Persons, Beneficence and Justice) are upheld; (3) ensuring that subjects will be fully informed of any physical, legal, psychological, or financial risks they may incur, and (4) ensuring that the subjects and/or parents/legal guardians freely consent and/or assent prior to participation.  

The IRB is also charged with the education of faculty, students, and staff on topics of ethical responsibility for the protection of research participants. Workshops are currently being developed for the 2024-2025 academic year. Please check back.  

IRB Calendar of Meetings 

Monthly IRB Meetings for 2024-2025 

The Academic Year IRB meetings occur on the 3rd Wednesday of each month.  

Expedited and exempt determination applications are reviewed at any time throughout the school year. Full board meetings are scheduled according to the below monthly meeting calendar. All information is requested to be submitted at the latest, one week before the meeting date by 12 PM on the due date below. Earlier is preferred for a thorough pre-review to be completed. 

Monthly IRB Meetings 

Summer 2024 and December 2024 Review Schedule 

ONLY exempt and expedited projects are reviewed during December and the summer months (May through August). Projects submitted close to winter break closure will not be reviewed until the office re-opens in January 2025. If there is an emergent request for a full review during these times, please contact Kim Diccianni directly at dicciann@fdu.edu for review options.