Human Subjects (HRPP/MTU-IRB)

Human Research at Michigan Tech

Michigan Technological University recognizes the use of humans as research participants is both a privilege and a necessary component to advancing science. Protection of the rights and welfare of any person who volunteers to become a participant for research or educational purposes conducted by MTU faculty, staff, and students is top priority. 

Human Research Protection Program (HRPP) 

At Michigan Tech, the Human Research Protection Program (HRPP) is a compliance unit within Research Integrity. It is responsible for the administration of the Michigan Tech Institutional Review Board (MTU-IRB). Together with the MTU-IRB they serve as the University's leader in providing guidance for all activities that require the use of humans, their data or biospecimen for research, educational, or institutional purposes.

It’s important to note, the HRPP extends beyond the HRPP office administration and MTU-IRB. Rather, it is a collective effort of all who participate in the conduct, review, approval, and facilitation of human subject activities at MTU. 

MTU Institutional Review Board (MTU-IRB)

The MTU-IRB performs federally required reviews of any research projects involving human participants, their data, or biospecimen. It is the MTU-IRB’s responsibility to ensure all federal regulations and MTU-IRB policies are met prior to approving projects. They are also responsible to ensure compliance of approved projects throughout the life of the project. 

HRPP Standard Operating Procedures

Michigan Tech HRPP Standard Operating Procedures

Federalwide Assurance (FWA) and IRB Registration

Our University expresses its commitment to human participant protections by maintaining an active Federalwide Assurance (FWA) with the Office of Human Research Protections (OHRP) in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). The FWA is a requirement for any institution engaged in federally funded human subject research. Through this FWA, Michigan Tech agrees to adhere to the review and approval of all human subject research in accordance with DHHS regulations found at 45 CFR Part 46 and by the ethical principles outlined in The Belmont Report.

MTU FWA Number:  00005174
Expiration Date: August 14, 2024

In addition to a FWA, any institution receiving federal funding to conduct human research must also register an IRB. The MTU-IRB is registered to review both social behavioral and biomedical research.

IRB Registration Number: IORG0000458
Expiration Date: September 13, 2025