Membership
IRB Membership
Each IRB committee consists of faculty, students, and staff representing all University campuses, Fairview, and Gillette Children’s Specialty Hospital. Membership expertise includes scientists (biomedical and social behavioral), nonscientists, and unaffiliated members.
Scientist Members
Federal human research regulations (45 CFR 46.107, 21 CFR 56.107) require IRBs to include at least one member whose primary concerns are in scientific areas. Scientific expertise is vital to ensure that studies minimize risks to research participants through sound research design and, whenever appropriate, procedures already performed for diagnostic or treatment purposes (45 CFR 46.111, 21 CFR 56.111).
Nonscientists and Unaffiliated Members
Federal human research regulations (45 CFR 46.107, 21 CFR 56.107) require IRBs to include at least one member whose primary concerns are in nonscientific areas. Community participation on the IRB is vital as these members review research from a nonscientific lens, sharing community and cultural perspectives in reviewing research. Unaffiliated members serving on the University’s IRB are not affiliated with the University of Minnesota, Fairview, or Gillette Children’s Specialty Hospital.
Consultants
The IRB has the ability to seek expert consultation to assist in the review of issues which require expertise beyond or in addition to that available on the IRB (45 CFR 46.107, 21 CFR 56.107).
Membership Opportunities
Service on the IRB is vital to supporting the research mission of the University and the protection of participants in that research. The IRB draws members both from the University and its affiliates, as well as the external community.
We are currently seeking volunteers with the following expertise to serve on the IRB:
- Affiliated faculty or staff with experience and expertise in cardiology
- Community members with experience and expertise in general or healthcare-specific ethical issues and/or working with vulnerable adult or pediatric populations