The IRB reviews research projects which involve human subjects to ensure that two broad standards are upheld: first, that subjects are not placed at undue risk; second, that they give uncoerced, informed consent to their participation.

With representation from a wide range of scientific disciplines and from outside the academic community, the IRB gives rapid but individualized attention to the numerous research projects at the University.

A project is first reviewed in its proposal stage - even before subjects are recruited. Each approved project is reevaluated at least annually. The IRB works with investigators to modify projects to ensure adequate protection for its subjects' welfare and right of self-determination.

The University's process for protecting human research subjects reflects federal regulations developed in response to such cases as the Public Health Service syphilis study and the U.S. government radiation experiments. The Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP) oversees the operation of the IRB, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)enforces regulations for the use of experimental drugs and devices.

U of M IRB Jurisdiction

The IRB at the University of Minnesota is the IRB charged with reviewing responsibilities for research conducted in the following areas:

• Minneapolis, St. Paul, Duluth, Morris, & Crookston campuses
• Fairview Health Services
• Gillette Children's Specialty Hospital

Composition of the IRB Committees

The IRB is composed of approximately 60 members representing University faculty, staff, students, Fairview Health Services employees and the local community.

Representatives from the University of Minnesota campuses at Duluth and Morris also serve.

The IRB is comprised of review committees and an executive committee, comprised of chairs and vice-chairs from all panels. Each committee meets regularly to review human subjects research and related issues.

Committee	Function
Medical	Reviews research in the health and biological sciences
Faculty/Staff Social - 03	Reviews research in the social and behavioral sciences
Executive Committee	Meets one per month to discuss policies, procedures, and address problems that arise in human subjects protection
Medical - 05	Reviews only continuing review submissions in the health and biological sciences
Student Social - 07	Reviews student-initiated research in the social and behavioral sciences