What do the roles mean? What if I fit into more than one category?

Please refer to our FAQ section for more details about roles and categories.

Learn more about our unique IRB and process, but first:

RJ Community Institutional Review Board (IRB)

We’re here to make the IRB process easier to understand. In this section, you’ll find clear explanations of the basics, along with our specific guidelines to help you every step of the way.

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Learn IRB Basics

What is an Institutional Review Board?

An institutional review board is an administrative body within an institution or community whose responsibility is to protect the rights and welfare of human "subjects'' ie. participants in research.

The first federally recognized RJ Community IRB, our IRB will develop the capacity of members of the RJ community to develop, conduct, and engage in the research process (be it as primary researchers/investigators or in collaboration with traditional research partners).

Frequently Asked Questions

IRB Responsibilities

Core Responsibilities of the IRB

Protecting People

To ensure that research participants are treated ethically, and responsibly, and that their privacy rights are protected.

Setting Standards

To set the standards for and monitoring research involving human participants.

Ongoing Oversight

Review research (before initiation) and conduct periodic reviews of research studies under their jurisdiction.

Support

Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know about the process

Who can submit to an IRB?

Anyone can submit to an IRB. Although, there are plenty of questions you may need to answer prior to submitting your desired research.

How long does it take to be approved?

We have a standard time of year where your research will need to be submitted. Click here to review our schedule and timeline.

What is the difference between community research board and federally recognized IRB?

Community IRBs evaluate research based on study type, population, benefits, and risks. They adapt to NIH's single IRB mandate. Federally recognized IRBs oversee human participants in research. They protect participants by mitigating risks to physical, psychological, confidentiality, privacy, and autonomy.

What do the roles mean?

- Student Researcher: A student researcher is someone conducting research as part of an academic/degree program.
- Independent Scholar: An independent scholar is someone conducting research without a formal academic appointment. (You may or may not be grant funded)
- Community Researcher: A community researcher or advocate conducts research with or on behalf of a community, organization, or group, rather than through a university.
- Professor:

What if I fit into more than one category?

If you identify with multiple roles (for example, a student who is also a community advocate), please select the option that best reflects who you are conducting the research for or which institutional partner you are working with.
Examples of institutional partners include:
- A college or university
- A research institute
- A hospital or health system
- A nonprofit or community organization that has agreed to oversee or sponsor the research

More FAQ

Ready To Start?

Become more knowledge about our process and guidelines. This will help you prepare and become ready to submit to our IRB.

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