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The Role of the Institutional Review Board at the University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine

Research involving human subjects is a cornerstone of scientific advancement, but it must be conducted ethically and with the utmost respect for the rights and welfare of participants. At the University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine (UTGSM), oversight is provided by the Institutional Review Board (IRB), an integral part of the University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center (UTHSC) research infrastructure. Comprised of representatives from UTGSM, UT Medical Center, and the community, the IRB ensures compliance with federal regulations and ethical standards, safeguarding the welfare of participants.

The primary function of the IRB is to assist investigators in ensuring that their research protocols adhere to ethical principles and regulatory requirements. Before any human subject research project can commence, it must undergo thorough review and approval by the IRB. This process is essential for protecting participants and upholding UTGSM’s commitment to ethical research practices.

In addition to reviewing research, the IRB can also aid researchers in navigating the intricacies of human subject research. Whether it is answering questions about the review process and requirements or assisting researchers with navigating the IRB online submission system, the IRB is committed to providing researchers with the support they need to conduct their work responsibly. By fostering open communication and collaboration, the IRB facilitates a culture of ethical research at UTGSM, ultimately benefiting both researchers and research participants alike.

"We want our researchers to know that the IRB is here to help them get their research approved while also ensuring that the participants in their studies are protected. Whether you are a seasoned researcher trying something new, or a new researcher who is less familiar with the process, we are happy to provide guidance," says IRB Director, Jen Engle, PhD. "The IRB staff are working hard to create guidance documents that we hope will be helpful to new researchers. These will be made available on The Pulse and upon request."

The Institutional Review Board at the University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine plays a vital role in upholding ethical standards in research involving human subjects. Through their commitment to rigorous review and support for researchers, the IRB ensures that research conducted at UTGSM is conducted with integrity and respect for the rights and welfare of participants. Contact Cindy Langley, IRB Regulatory Specialist, at clangley@utmck.edu or Jen Engle, PhD, IRB Director, at jmengle@utmck.edu to learn more about the IRB and the resources they provide, or visit https://gsm.utmck.edu/irb/main.cfm.

Posted: April 8, 2024