Setting Up a Research Review Board Ralph E. Pagano Research Director Hoosic Valley High School

Why Are Research Review Boards Necessary? Federal Law Federal Law –If an insitution uses Federal $ it is required. Competitions Competitions –Most competitions such as Intel and Science & Engineering Fair require projects to be review board approved. Safeguard Safeguard

Purpose of Review Committees NOT to advise! NOT to advise! Must review proposal as written as to risks posed to subjects involved in research or to the researcher. Must review proposal as written as to risks posed to subjects involved in research or to the researcher. Primary focus is on whether or not safety and risk factors have been dealt with appropriately. Primary focus is on whether or not safety and risk factors have been dealt with appropriately.

Types of Review Committees INSTITUTIONAL REVIEW BOARDS (IRB) INSTITUTIONAL REVIEW BOARDS (IRB) –Reviews research involving human subjects. INSTITUTIONAL ANIMAL CARE AND USE COMMITTEE (IACUC) INSTITUTIONAL ANIMAL CARE AND USE COMMITTEE (IACUC) –Reviews research involving vertebrate subjects other than humans. SCIENTIFIC REVIEW COMMITTEE (SRC) SCIENTIFIC REVIEW COMMITTEE (SRC) –Reviews all research not covered by the above two including research that puts researcher alone at risk.

Local vs. Regional Review Committees Regional Regional –Established –“Professional” Local Local –Easier access –Less travel & coordination –Ownership within district

Role of Various Parties Involved Research Teacher Research Teacher –Be familiar with student’s research and methods. –Be familiar with all pertinent regulations regarding that research. Mentor Mentor –Oversee student’s research proposal. –Be knowledgeable of all pertinent regulations regarding that research. Student Researcher Student Researcher –Write a detailed research proposal taking into account all safety procedures and regulations governing that research.

Committee Make-Up Administrator Administrator Science Teacher Science Teacher One or more Biomedical Professionals (Nurse, Doctor, Psychologist, Veterinarian) One or more Biomedical Professionals (Nurse, Doctor, Psychologist, Veterinarian) One or more Community Members One or more Community Members

Running a Committee Meeting Appoint chairperson (signature required) Appoint chairperson (signature required) Research Teacher can act as secretary to keep notes Research Teacher can act as secretary to keep notes Members sign off on final approval Members sign off on final approval

Forms Human Subjects Human Subjects –Approval –Informed Consent Vertebrates Other Than Humans Vertebrates Other Than Humans –Approval –Risks to Subjects Scientific Review Scientific Review –Approval –Risks and Safety

Any Questions?