Student Researchers

If you are beginning a research project at The University of Texas at Austin, this page will assist with you with the IRB submission process. If you are conducting research for a class assignment, please review the guidelines for student class projects.

To apply for IRB review, students must complete the steps below:

Complete all required training including:

CITI training course for Human Subjects Research/IRB Training
CITI training course for Financial Conflict of Interest Training

To begin your training visit our Training Requirement for Human Subjects Research page

Create and develop your study documents

Use the templates found at on the Application Material and Forms page:

Research Protocol: your proposal document (use the “Required Proposal Format” template)
Instruments: all data instruments and other materials to be distributed to and/or used with study participants (e.g., surveys, questionnaires, interview guides, etc.).
Recruitment Materials: all flyers, e-mail scripts, verbal scripts, and other materials to be distributed to and/or used to recruit participants. For tips on participant recruitment, see the Guidelines for Research Advertising Content page.
Informed Consent Documents: all form(s), letter(s), or script(s) containing the elements of informed consent. For consent form guidelines, see Consent for Participation in Research Guidelines
Agreements from Outside Institutions: If you have received permission from an outside agency or organization to receive information, records, or to conduct research activities on site – please provide a letter of support. Refer to the site letter template.

Complete the New Study Application

Complete the new study application located on the online submission system, IRBaccess and upload all of the applicable study documents mentioned above. To begin the IRB application visit https://utdirect.utexas.edu/vr/IRBapp.WBX.
Select “I certify that I have uploaded all documentation required to evaluate this study.”
Select on “Collect Signatures.”

All of the submission steps listed above can be found on our IRB submission checklist.

For more information about the IRB process, please download our What You Need to Know about research Involving Humans Flyer.

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. 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 the following:

Once you submit your IRB application online, your faculty sponsor will be sent an email asking for an electronic signature on your study.
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.
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.