Research with Human Participants
Institutional Review Board for Human Participant Research
The Institutional Review Board (IRB) at the University of San Diego is charged with review and oversight of all research activities involving human subjects initiated by faculty, students and administrators.
The principal function of the IRB is to safeguard the rights and welfare of participants in research activities conducted or supported by the University and ensure that the project complies with federal standards. If a faculty member, staff member, or student is planning research that includes human subjects, the University requires review by the IRB. The IRB has the authority to approve, disapprove or require modifications of these projects.
The USD IRB is guided by the ethical principles described in the following:
Studies Involving Pharmaceuticals or Medical Devices
USD lacks the expertise and infrastructure to provide proper review and oversight of research studies that fall within the jurisdiction of the Food & Drug Administration (FDA). As a result, these studies cannot be reviewed and approved by USD’s IRB. Instead, faculty members with an interest in conducting research that is subject to FDA jurisdiction (e.g., research on drugs, biologics, medical devices and foods) are encouraged to form collaborations with researchers at other institutions that have the capability to oversee such research.