Human Subjects Review/IRB
Institutional Review Board (IRB)
As of Fall 2015, all research at UMass Amherst involving human participants must be reviewed and approved by the university's IRB (Institutional Review Board). Reviews are no longer conducted on the departmental level. The most frequently asked questions are answered below. Learn more about IRB procedures at the Human Research Protection Office website.
What needs to be reviewed?
All research that involves interacting with humans, gathering information from them, or interfering with their activities needs to undergo review. Research by undergraduates as part of a class generally does not need to be reviewed unless it involves “high risk.” For details, see the IRB guidelines.
Where do I get training?
Applicants are required to complete the Institutional Training Requirement for the Protection of Human Subjects in Research. This free one-time, two-hour online training is offered by CITI, the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative. Read more about the training process here and then register at the CITI site.
How do I submit my request for approval?
You must submit your request online through the IRB's e-Protocol system. The process is thoroughly described here.
How long will the review take?
University IRB approval typically takes 4 to 6 weeks, so please plan accordingly.
Office of Grants and Contracts
The Office of Grants and Contracts (OGCA) assists faculty and staff with the following:
- Review, processing, and submission of proposals to external sponsors
- Negotiations
- Formal acceptance and execution of awards
- Administrative post-award oversight of grants and contracts for externally sponsored projects
To learn more and to contact the OGCA, go to the Research and Engagement website.
Office of Corporate and Foundation Relations
The Office of Corporate and Foundation Relations (CFR) assist faculty and staff in acquiring funding from corporate and private foundation sources.
The goal is to increase grants for research, academic, and outreach projects.
To learn more and to contact CFR, go the CFR website.