Human Research Protections Office (HRPO)

IRB

The IRB is an administrative body established to protect the rights and welfare of human research subjects recruited to participate in research activities conducted under the auspices of University of Maryland, Baltimore. The IRB has the authority to approve, require modifications in, or disapprove all research activities that fall within its jurisdiction as specified by both the federal regulations and local institutional policy. Research that has been reviewed and approved by UMB IRB may be subject to review and disapproval by officials of the institution. However, those officials may not approve research if it has been disapproved by the IRB.

The IRB also functions independently of but in coordination with other committees. For instance, research proposals involving the use of radiation above and beyond standard of care, and for the purpose of research, are required to be reviewed by the Radiation Safety Committee. The IRB, however, makes its independent determination whether to approve or disapprove the protocol based upon whether or not human subjects are adequately protected, which includes determination of a favorable benefit/risk analysis of the research.

Research that has been reviewed and approved by an IRB may be subject to further review and disapproval by officials of the institution. Those officials may not, however, approve research if it has been disapproved by the IRB.Furthermore, approved research is subject to continuing IRB review and must be reevaluated at least annually (and more frequently, as specified by the IRB).

UMB IRB is comprised of four panels, which meet monthly on Thursday afternoons. Committees #1 through #4 meet the corresponding week during the month. Months extending to a Thursday in a fifth week, do not have a meeting during the fifth week.

All panels of the UMB IRB review biomedical and social behavioral research, and are constituted of appropriate expertise to review the type of research conducted at UMB. Each panel has at least two, and sometimes three non-scientist and non-affiliated members. In addition, a Research Subject Advocate sits on each panel.

The IRB is led by a Chair and four Vice-Chairs, who are experienced researchers, former IRB Members, and are respected among the research community.

The IRB Chair reports directly to the Institutional Official, Dr. Bruce E. Jarrell, School of Medicine, and is supported administratively by the Human Research Protections Office.

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