Student Researchers

If you are beginning a research project for the first time at The University of Texas at Austin, this page will assist with you with submitting an application to the IRB. If you are conducting research because of a class assignment aimed at helping you learn research methods, then review the guidelines for student class projects.

To apply for IRB review, students must complete steps 1 - 4 below:

1. Complete all Human Participant Training.
2. Complete the online application. For help with the online application, please visit the User Guide.
3. Complete and submit the necessary Consent Form. You may wish to view a Checklist of required consent form items.
4. Complete and submit the Required Proposal Format form.
5. Submit a copy of the qualitative interview guide and/or survey questionnaire that you will utilize.

Other Considerations:

Faculty Sponsor/ Supervisor

A faculty sponsor is required for all students conducting human subjects research; your sponsor must approve your application prior to IRB submission.

Choose a faculty sponsor who works well with you.  Your sponsor will provide valuable recommendations about research designs aimed at reducing the risk to human subjects and is your primary contact for human subject concerns and questions.

Review Timeline

How long does IRB review take?  When considering how far in advance of the start of your research you should submit your IRB application, please keep in mind that once you submit your IRB application:

1. Your faculty sponsor will be sent an email asking for an electronic signature on your study.
2. Then, your Department Review Chair (DRC) will receive an email asking for an electronic signature.  If you are concerned about the time frame for your study’s approval, visit these faculty members during their office hours to see that your study is signed promptly.
3. Only after your faculty sponsor and DRC have signed off on your study will the Office of Research Support be notified that there is an IRB application awaiting review.  Once your application is received, review typically requires 2-4 weeks varying with the number of studies submitted for review around the same time.  Peak submission periods tend to be mid-semester through the end of the semester, so please plan accordingly.

Subject Pool Participants

Subject pools are undergraduate students enrolled in particular departmental courses requiring participation in one or more research projects.  The Institutional Review Board provides guidance and oversight of departmental subject pools, and reviews all research requesting subject pool participation.  All student participation in subject pool research must be completely voluntary. For more information about Subject Pool Participation visit our Subject Pool Participant page.

Special Topics

Visit our Special Topics page for information on vulnerable populations, privacy rules, research in schools other special considerations.

Questions, Concerns, and Suggestions

If you have questions, concerns, suggestions or wish to provide input or feedback regarding IRB policies and procedures, you are encouraged to contact the IRB Office at 512-471-8871. Alternatively, an email may be sent to orsc@uts.cc.utexas.edu.