Research Involving Human Subjects
Internal Review Board (IRB)
Before any research involving human subjects can be conducted under the auspices of the university, an Internal Review Board (IRB) review is required. Data from human subjects are not to be collected until written approval is received from the university Internal Review Board. The main considerations and responsibilities of the IRB are to assure that ethical standards and the protection of human rights are maintained in any research conducted while at UNC.
Researchers are advised to obtain and submit an IRB packet early in their research process to allow time for a thorough review. Graduate students and faculty members can request an IRB packet from the Sponsored Programs and Academic Research Center (SPARC) or from the SPARC website.