Human Subjects/IRB
The Institutional Review Board (IRB) regulates all research activities involving human subjects on the UT Knoxville campus. The IRB is a committee appointed to ensure rights, safety, and welfare of human research subjects; ensure compliance with all applicable federal and state laws/regulations; and conduct ethical reviews of human research activities including initial, continuation, modification, unanticipated problems and alleged noncompliance. Its primary responsibility is to assure UT Knoxville researchers operate within the provisions of the Federalwide Assurance of Compliance filed with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP).
View the latest Human Subjects Activity Report
DRC Workshop Presentations
IRB Information
2013 Full IRB Review Dates for Form B
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Forms
To access forms relevant to research involving Human Subjects/IRB, visit the Forms page.
Research Guidelines
IRB Guide for Faculty, Staff, and Students (revised 5/8/12) — PDF
The Human Subjects Research Review System — PDF
Students' Guide for Studies Involving Human Participants — PDF
Special Considerations for the Protection of Children Participating in UT-Sponsored Research — PDF
Videotaping and Filming Guidelines — PDF
Participatory Action Research — PDF
Classroom-Related Activities — PDF
Departmental Review Committee (DRC) Guidelines — PDF
Training Requirements
In our continuing efforts to promote best practices for the protection of human subjects in research, and to provide our campus with methods for documenting continuing education, effective April 15, 2012, the Institutional Review Board (IRB) will require each PI, Co-PI, Advisor, and Student(s) listed on a human subjects’ application to provide certification of training in Human Subjects Research. To obtain the appropriate training and certification please contact the Training Coordinator at ortraining@utk.edu or call 974-9310 for registration and access information.
IRB/Human Subjects — Blackboard
The Office of Research & Engagement now offers online training through Blackboard that details UTK's IRB/Human Subjects processes and forms. These online modules are for students and faculty performing no more than “minimal risk” and/or non-funded human subjects research. Enroll now
IRB/Human Subjects — CITI
To comply with sponsoring agency requirements, faculty and students performing “high risk” or “vulnerable subjects” research and for sponsor-funded research (NIH, NSF, etc.) should take the CITI Human Subjects Research online course. These online modules are also appropriate for IRB members and departmental IRB review personnel. Enroll now
NIH Protecting Human Research Participants (PHRP) Training Course — LINK
Online Resources
DHHS Code of Federal Regulations — 45 CFR 46 - Protection of Human Subjects. Subpart A (also known as "The Common Rule") is also accepted by 16 other federal agencies. The protections for special populations in Subparts B-D are unique to DHHS.
The Belmont Report — "Ethical Principles and Guidelines for the Protection of Human Subjects of Research"
Contact Information
Brenda Lawson
Compliance Officer and IRB Administrator
Office of Research & Engagement
1534 White Ave.
Knoxville, TN 37996-1529
Phone: (865) 974-7697
Email: blawson@utk.edu