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 February 2021).
Fall 2021 Workshops
Thank you to all who attended the virtual IRB workshops for fall 2021! For each of these workshops, the IRB panelists discussed the application process in detail. Information from these workshops may be especially helpful for new researchers or for those researchers who would like tips on creating an application that meets the IRB requirements for a smoother IRB review.
Below are links to the recordings from all three workshops. The IRB chairs for each campus attended one of the workshops to answer questions. You may view any of the recordings, but you can click on the date for which each campus IRB chairs were present to see how their discussion and commentary.
Although there were no presentation material for these workshops, the presenters mentioned several pages and links on our website. Be sure to check out our Resources Page to access guidance on data management, data security, recruitment tips, etc., and the other pages (on the left) to access important information.
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. If you have questions, please contact Ms. Sandy Owens (Denton, Dallas, and Houston IRB Analyst) at irb@twu.edu.
Page last updated 10:48 AM, November 12, 2021