The Institutional Review Board (IRB) is a peer-review committee charged with the responsibility of protecting the rights and welfare of humans involved in research. Ball State follows the ethical principles laid out by the Belmont Report. Ball State University's IRB also subscribes to the "Common Rule" for the protection of human subjects found in 45 CFR 46.
The IRB reviews and approves all of Ball State's research protocols involving human subjects in order to ensure compliance with laws and national standards regarding the ethical treatment of human subjects. The researcher must attain IRB approval before a study involving human subjects is conducted. Annual resubmission must be completed for projects of more than 12 months duration.
For more information regarding Ball State University’s Policy and Procedures for the Protection of Human Subjects in Research, see the Faculty and Professional Personnel Handbook or speak with Dr. Bryan D. Byers, Interim Director of Research Compliance, 765-285-5070. For the submission of materials to the IRB, please contact Amy Boos, Research Compliance Administrator, 765-285-5034.
For information about how to submit IRB protocols, please see IRBNet Human Subjects.