Human Research Protection Program

Protecting the rights and welfare of human research participants is a cornerstone of ethical research. At SDSU, this commitment is upheld through our Human Research Protection Program. The Institutional Review Board (IRB) is a vital part of our HRPP. The SDSU IRB committee is a diverse group, composed of faculty members, student representatives, and community members who work together to review human subject research proposals. This ensures that the rights and welfare of research participants are protected and that the proposed research complies with federal regulations, state laws, and local policies.

Training

Guidance

Clinical Trials

Review Reliance

The IRB reviews protocol submissions on an ongoing basis throughout the academic year. The majority of the proposals submitted to the IRB meet the criteria for Exempt Determination/Expedited Review, and there is no submission deadline for these types of proposals.

The IRB meets monthly, except in July and December.
IRB #00000576  Exp: 5/13/2028           

FWA #00003782  Exp: 9/16/2030
Note: The deadline for turning in research proposals is related to REVIEW TYPE.
See calendar below for deadlines.

Only complete research proposal submissions that require no more than minor editorial changes and that are received by 11:59 p.m. on the deadline date, will be placed on an agenda.


Steps to IRB Proposal Submission

First time submitting a study? Have no fear - we’ve broken it down into straightforward steps below.

 

 

IRB Protocol Timeline

  • Pending - Submitted for Initial Review

    Once your study is received and CITI training has been verified for all study personnel, your submission will be assigned to an IRB analyst for review. Review turnaround depends on the completeness of the submission and the current workload of the assigned analyst.

  • Returned for Corrections

    Most of the time, the IRB analyst will request additional clarification, missing supporting documents, or other revisions with stipulations. The study status will change to “Returned for Corrections”. PIs will need to log into iRis to address the stipulations.

    Graduate student PIs will also receive a “Modifications Required” letter sent to their email.

  • Determining Review Type

    When all stipulations have been addressed, the IRB analyst will determine what review category the study falls into - Exempt, Expedited, or requiring Full Committee Review.

    You will receive correspondence regarding the determination.

    If your study is deemed Exempt or Expedited, you will receive an approval letter in your email inbox with instructions for accessing your approved and stamped documents in iRIS.

  • Approved

    If your study requires Full Committee Review, the study status will change to “Pending”. After the IRB meeting, it will change back to “Returned for Corrections”.

    After you respond to those corrections, you will receive an approval letter.

Study-Related Resources

Please fill out the form below if you would like staff in our office to visit your class, lab, or student organization to educate you all about the various topics of compliance in completing ethical research including how to use human participants in your research, what level of review your study needs, and submitting applications to the IRB through our e-protocol platform. We can appear either virtually or in-person!

Educational Opportunity Request Form

Research Support Services encourages the prompt reporting (within 24 hours) of concerns and incident reports. Allegations should be detailed, specific, and be accompanied by supporting documentation when possible. All concerns will be reviewed regardless of how they are received. Reports may be communicated anonymously by completion of the incident report on this page, by email, telephone, or in person. These reports of potential non-compliance can be made by research and facility personnel, or by public complainants.

Report by Telephone: (619) 594-6622

Report in Person: Contact the Lead IRB Analyst Anne Dodge-Schwanz, Gateway Center 4th Floor, email: [email protected]. 

Report Online: Submit an Anonymous Incident Report.

Non-Retaliation: San Diego State University prohibits any retaliatory action against individuals who, in good faith, makes a call or written report regarding compliance, or cooperates with an investigation or corrective action.

 

Get in Touch

Contact the HRPP office with any questions or concerns regarding Human Subjects Research at SDSU. the HRPP staff are responsible for the program's educational offerings. The staff are happy to meet with investigators one-on-one, or to speak to groups or classes regarding human subjects research.

SDSU Human Research Protection Program
5250 Campanile Drive
San Diego, CA 92182
619-594-6622
[email protected]

We are here to support you and ensure that your research is conducted ethically and responsibly. Let's work together to make a positive impact through our research efforts.