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 April 2020).

RESPONSE TO COVID-19

As Texas Woman’s University continues to closely monitor the outbreak of coronavirus disease and has put steps into place to minimize the impact of COVID-19, the IRB want to emphasize that the possible risk of exposure for in-person contact associated with research activities must be weighed against any possible benefits of the research. At this time, in response to these events and the current directives of the CDC and Governor’s Office, TWU employees have been directed to work from home, where feasible, to achieve the optimum isolation from COVID-19. To follow the example of the university as they transition courses online and work remotely, the TWU Provost has also stated that all face-to-face human subjects research must be halted to ensure the safety of the study participants and researchers. The TWU IRB recognizes that the novel coronavirus situation and public health authority recommendations are rapidly evolving. Therefore, it is imperative that TWU researchers follow university procedures and CURRENT University, state, and national guidelines and instructions.

During this time, face to face meetings and interventions must be stopped or replaced with alternatives such as phone or video conferencing using tools such as Skype/Google Hangout/Zoom or online survey software. The attached document has been prepared in partnership with IT Solutions and provides guidance with possible online / virtual alternatives. Please be reminded that any changes to the study procedures must be approved in advance by the IRB as a modification to the study. Changes to a study in response to the COVID-19 situation should be submitted as a modification following the specific instructions found on the IRB website at https://twu.edu/institutional-review-board-irb/modifications/. The modifications will be expedited as possible by the IRBs.

By working remotely, the TWU IRBs plan to remain fully functional, and you may contact Ms. Sandy Owens (Denton and Dallas IRB Analyst) @ sowens6@twu.edu or Dr. Madhura Maiya (Houston IRB Analyst) @ mmaiya@twu.edu with questions.

Thank you all for your cooperation and patience as we work together during this time.