The IRB at Clark Atlanta University safeguards the confidentiality of research data and ensures the protection of human subjects in all research projects. We are committed to minimizing physical, psychological, social, and legal risks in both biomedical and behavioral research, promoting ethical standards and compliance throughout the research process.
The IRB is made up of a diverse group of members, including faculty, scientists, non-scientists, and community representatives. This mix ensures a broad perspective in reviewing research involving human subjects, promoting ethical standards and compliance with federal regulations.
IRB applications should be emailed to irb@cau.edu.
A complete IRB application should provide all the information needed to review your study for ethical compliance. This includes:
- Study details: Title, purpose, and objectives
- Research procedures: How the study will be conducted
- Participant information: Recruitment methods and eligibility criteria
- Informed consent documents: Clear, understandable consent and assent forms
- Risk and benefit analysis: Potential risks and steps to minimize them
- Confidentiality plan: How data will be protected
- Compliance documentation: Required training certifications and approvals
- Supporting materials Include Surveys, interview guides, recruitment flyers, and other relevant documents.
Mandatory Training for Researchers Using Human Subjects
All investigators conducting research with human subjects at Clark Atlanta University are required to complete mandatory training through the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) Program at www.citiprogram.org. This program replaces the previous NIH-sponsored training and provides modules tailored to different research roles.
Who Must Complete Training?
Training is required for:
- All key personnel involved in human subjects research (faculty, staff, assistants, and students)
- Faculty sponsors of student research
- IRB board members and administrative staff
- Graduate students conducting thesis or dissertation research
Exceptions:
Undergraduate students assisting with research or conducting course-related projects are exempt; their faculty instructor assumes responsibility.
Learner Groups at CAU
The following Learner Groups are available for CAU-affiliated researchers:
- Social & Behavioral Research – For studies involving surveys, interviews, focus groups, etc.
- Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) - Core principles of ethical research: authorship, collaboration, conflicts of interest, data management, mentoring, peer review, use of human/animal subjects, and research misconduct.
- Biomedical Research – For studies involving physiology, medical interventions, or invasive procedures.
- Undergraduate Students – Introductory modules on research ethics.
- IRB Members & Staff – For IRB reviewers and administrative personnel.
IRB - Frequently Asked Questions
Navigating research compliance can feel complex, but we’re here to make it easier. This FAQ section answers the most common questions about the Institutional Review Board (IRB), including when IRB approval is required, how to apply, and what to expect during the review process. Whether you’re a faculty member, student researcher, or part of a collaborative team, these resources will help you conduct ethical research and stay compliant with federal and institutional guidelines.
What is the IRB and Why Is it Required?
The IRB ensures research involving human subjects is ethical and compliant with federal regulations. Its primary role is to protect participants’ rights and welfare.
Do I Need IRB Approval?
You need IRB approval if your project involves living individuals, identifiable private information, or systematic research intended to contribute to generalizable knowledge.
What is Research?
Research is a systematic investigation designed to develop or contribute to generalizable knowledge. This includes activities intended to test hypotheses, draw conclusions, or inform scholarly understanding. If your project involves collecting data to publish, present, or share broadly, it is likely to qualify as research under IRB guidelines.
What are Human Subjects?
A human subject is a living individual about whom an investigator (professional or student) conducting research obtains information or biospecimens through intervention or interaction with the individual, and uses, studies, or analyzes the information or biospecimens.
Intervention or interaction in human subjects research includes:
- Data through intervention or interaction (e.g., surveys, interviews, experiments), or
- Identifiable private information (e.g., medical records, personal identifiers).
If your study involves people directly or uses identifiable data, IRB review is required.
This does not include activities whose sole purpose is instructional, or activities whose purpose is related to routine course or program development. However, when such research involves students outside of the course, the investigator should submit the appropriate application.
What is a Systemic Investigation?
A systematic investigation refers to a structured process for collecting and analyzing data to answer a research question or test a hypothesis. This includes:
- Predefined methods and procedures
- Data collection and analysis plans
- Intent to contribute to generalizable knowledge
Examples include surveys and questionnaires, interviews and focus groups, the evaluation of educational and social programs, cognitive and perceptual experiments, clinical trials, behavioral studies, and educational assessments, etc.
