IRB Welcome
The primary purpose of the Institutional Review Board (IRB) is to protect the rights and welfare of human research subjects recruited to participate in research activities and conducted at Valencia College. The IRB is charged with the responsibility of reviewing, prior to its initiation, research (whether funded or not), involving human participants. The IRB has the authority to approve, disapprove, monitor, and require modifications in all research activities that fall within its jurisdiction as specified by both the federal regulations and institutional policy. Details and definitions are provided on this website, along with the steps necessary to apply for IRB review.
Submit an Institutional Review Board (IRB) Work Request
If you are an employee, please create a work request to communicate with the office about your request and track your application. Read the steps on the "forms" page and submit your application there.
As the Chair of the IRB Board I am here to help answer questions, provide the materials that you need to apply for IRB review, and assist with training related to the ethical conduct of research. The IRB Board and review process is required of institutions like Valencia College by order of a federal mandate. This review is required by law in order to protect the rights of participants and researchers and to identify the risks that are assumed by institutions that support research initiatives. The information on our site reflects the recent revisions to the federal guidelines that went into effect on Jan. 19, 2018.
We comply with federal regulations and we follow college policies as we carry out these procedures.
You may access more information, including next steps to take and forms, through the “Resources” option above.
We are here to help you to understand the required steps and to participate in the process.
Brandon McKelvey
Executive Vice President, Administrative Services
The following individuals were selected to serve
Steps to Follow and Forms
Resources for Training and Teaching
Overview
It is the investigator who self-determines whether his/her project qualifies as human subjects research, and whether an application should be submitted to the Valencia IRB. However, it is important to be aware that when conducting human subjects research involving Valencia students or employees, any investigator who elects not to apply for and receive a formal IRB determination from Valencia's IRB is non-compliant with Valencia procedures. This means that the investigator's research will not be protected from any risk or liability.
Individuals (inside or outside the College, including administrators, faculty, staff, or students) who are planning to conduct research with human subjects should submit an application for review by the Valencia Institutional Review Board (IRB).
Please see our Frequently Asked Questions
If you are a current college employee, click below to take the Key Questions screening survey and assess your project's need for an IRB application.