Institutional Review Board (IRB)

The TWU Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) review research projects that involve human subjects to protect their rights and welfare. Therefore, it is the policy of TWU that all research conducted by any TWU faculty member, staff member, or student using human subjects must have prior approval from a TWU IRB before the research is initiated. Human subjects research at TWU is governed by TWU's Federalwide Assurance, Policy, and IRB Procedures (updated August 2020).

RESPONSE TO COVID-19

As of August 3, 2020, face-to-face human research studies in which Covid-19 risks can be mitigated to a minimal level may resume if a PI has modified the IRB protocol. The modification must include the added risk of Covid-19 exposure and the steps to minimize the risk in the procedures and consent form as well as steps for re-consenting participants, if necessary. A guidance for minimizing the risk of exposure to COVID-19 in human subjects research can be found here. Studies where the Covid-19 risks cannot be mitigated, or are not modified to address risks associated with Covid-19, cannot resume face-to-face procedures at this time. This guidance is in effect for all TWU campuses, Denton, Dallas, and Houston.

These guidances are highly dependent on ongoing updates to federal, state, local, and institutional policies related to physical distancing and allowed activities and based on continuous monitoring of the guidelines. Any changes to study procedures must be approved in advance by the IRB. By working remotely, the TWU IRBs plan to remain fully functional, and you may contact Ms. Sandy Owens (Denton and Dallas IRB Analyst) at sowens6@twu.edu or Dr. Madhura Maiya (Houston IRB Analyst) at mmaiya@twu.edu with questions.