About

What is an IRB?

An institutional review board (IRB), also known as an independent ethics committee (IEC), is a committee that  approves, monitors, and reviews biomedical and behavioral research that involves humans. The IRB is charged with protecting the rights and welfare of the research subjects.  The IRB may approve, require modifications in (to secure approval), or disapprove research. At OHSU, the IRB must review and approve all human subject research regardless of funding source.

Who Makes Up an IRB?

IRBs must have at least five members who have varying backgrounds  and  diversity including, gender, race, cultural backgrounds, sensitivity to such issues as community attitudes. The IRB must include a member with a nonscientific background and a member who is not affiliated with the institution. For more information, visit CFR 46.107.

What is an IACUC

The primary function of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) is to assist our faculty, students and staff in upholding the finest care and most humane utilization of our laboratory animals at OHSU, and must consist of at least one veterinarian who has training in laboratory animal science and expertise in the species under review and consideration, at least one practicing research scientist, and at least one person not affiliated with the institution to represent community interests in proper care and use of animals. As a result, every research, testing, and teaching project involving the use of a live vertebrate animal must be reviewed and approved by the IACUC prior to initiation. The IACUC, therefore, shares with the investigator the responsibility and ethical decisions considered during the care and use of animals. OHSU is bound by federal mandates, namely the Animal Welfare Act.

What is an IBC?

The Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) is an institutional committee created under the NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant DNA Molecules (NIH Guidelines) to review research involving recombinant DNA. The role of IBCs has evolved over time, and now also includes the review of research involving non-recombinant infectious agents and biological toxins. The IBC is responsible for ensuring compliance with the NIH Guidelines and assigning appropriate biosafety levels for the safe conduct of research.

Who Makes Up an IBC?

The IBC must consist of at least five members, and must include expertise in recombinant DNA technology, biosafety and physical containment, persons knowledgeable in institutional policies and applicable laws, representative members from laboratory staff, two members not affiliated with the institution, and an animal expert.

What is a CoIRC?

The Conflict of Interest in Research Committee (CoIRC) is charged with the review of investigators' Conflict of Interest in Research (CoIR) disclosures to determine how to manage, reduce, or eliminate the potential conflict. As an institution that receives NIH grants, OHSU must comply with the Public Health Service regulation 42 CFR Part 50 Subpart F. This regulation promotes objectivity in research by establishing standards to ensure there is no reasonable expectation that the design, conduct, or reporting of research funded under NIH grants, cooperative agreements or contracts will be biased by any conflicting financial interest of an Investigator.