Chapter 1 -- Introduction to the IRB & Human Subjects Office

The University of Iowa operates a centralized program to review and approve all research
involving human subjects through the Office of the Vice President for Research.  Before a research
project involving human subjects is initiated, it must be reviewed and approved by an Institutional
Review Board (IRB).  While the principal investigator has primary responsibility for the conduct of
the study, the University of Iowa IRBs are responsible for protecting the rights and welfare of study
participants.  Through its Federalwide Assurance, the University is held accountable to federal
agencies that have established guidelines for the use of human subjects in research.