Application Forms
The right button bar provides links to the forms you will need to communicate with the IRB. In general, the titles of the forms make clear their intended use. But there are two types of ”new applications,” exempt versus expedited/full board. Here are some brief instructions about how to pick one versus the other and why.
The exempt application can be used for research that is not subject to the regulations that govern human subjects research. Once the IRB has determined that your research is “exempt,” there is no need for further communication with the IRB unless the protocol changes. You can use the exempt application for several types of clearly defined research. These are listed at the beginning of the exempt application. In addition, use the exempt application if you are not sure whether what you plan to do even meets the definition of human subjects research. The IRB will make that determination for you once you submit an exempt application.
What type of research does not fall into the exempt category? In general, your research is not exempt (and you must use the Expedited/Full Board application) if:
- it is greater than “minimal risk” (Federal regulations define “minimal risk” as the probability and magnitude of harm or discomfort anticipated in the research are not greater in and of themselves than those ordinarily encountered in daily life or during the performance of routine physical or psychological examinations or tests.
- it involves children or adolescents as subjects (less than 18 years of age)
- it involves collecting identifiable information from subjects
- it involves administration or use of drugs or devices
- it involves prisoners as subjects
The two forms at the bottom of the right button bar are for teachers who teach research methods as a part of their instructional activity. This application, and the required PowerPoint slides that accompany it, allows faculty to provide assurances to the institution that the activities they conduct in their classes represent instruction and not true research.
Please submit the forms to irb@bu.edu or to our address: Institutional Review Board, 25 Buick Street, Room 157, Boston, MA 02215.