The Seattle University Institutional Review Board and its Office of Research Oversight ensure institutional compliance with federal and state regulations, as well as university policies. Seattle University and its IRB are guided by the ethical principles laid out in the Belmont Report, as well as a variety of other ethical codes.
The Seattle University IRB is registered with the U.S. Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP) and the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS). Its Federal Wide Assurance (FWA) has been approved by the OHRP.
To comply with federal regulations and SU policies, all SU affiliates must submit any proposal involving human participants to the Office of Research Oversight.
Beginning 1 July 2023, researchers will submit all new studies via the SU OneAegis system using their SU credentials. A researcher with a currently open Expedited or Full-Board protocol that predates 1 July 2023 should continue to use traditional post-approval forms for Modification Requests, Continuing Review, etc.
The Office of Research Oversight and the Institutional Review Board will assess IRB applications in order to mitigate physical, psychological, legal, and/or social risks by establishing protections. These protections reflect best practices in human participant research, federal and state regulations, and university guidelines.
For Exempt and "Not Human Participant Research" determinations, the IRB must evaluate the proposed project before its initiation and must establish that it meets criteria for no further IRB review. Under no circumstances can the IRB issue a retroactive determination. No aspect of a study, including recruitment and screening, may begin prior to receiving a written IRB determination of exemption or approval.
Except during holidays and other university closures, Exempt and Expedited reviews occur on a rolling basis throughout the calendar year. PIs must submit Full-Board protocols by 5 p.m. on the Friday three weeks before convened board meetings. Applications submitted after 5 p.m. will be processed/reviewed for the subsequent month meeting. No exceptions.
Thank you for your interest in research! Many areas of important scientific work are possible only because people agree to participate as human subjects.
Participation in research is always voluntary, which means you never have to join a study. However, if you have joined a research study, are thinking about joining a study, or have questions about a study you have joined, please feel free to email the IRB Office at any time.
You may also find the link labeled "FAQS for Participants" under Guidance & FAQ helpful.