About the Human Research Protection Program (HRPP)
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 faculty, staff, and students is top priority. Michigan Tech is committed to follow the ethical standards described in the Belmont Report, and all applicable federal, state and local regulations and university policies and procedures.
The Human Research Protection Program (HRPP) is responsible for the protection of individuals who are the subjects of research. This includes administration of policies and procedures, training, documentation, and working with the Institutional Review Board (IRB) to ensure the highest ethical standards when working with human subjects. Human subjects research include working with a living individual about whom an investigator conducting research obtains (1) data through intervention or interaction with the individual; or (2) identifiable private information. The program is composed of an Institutional Official (IO), IRB Committee, Research Integrity staff, and expert consultants.
The HRPP serves 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.
About the Institutional Review Board (IRB)
The Michigan Tech IRB performs federally required reviews of any research projects involving human participants, their data, or biospecimen. It is their responsibility to ensure compliance with federal, state, local and institutional regulations and guidelines prior to approving research projects. The IRB is also responsible to ensure compliance of approved projects throughout the life of the project.
About IRB Membership
The IRB membership consists of a minimum of five members with a Chairperson, at least one member whose primary concerns are in non-scientific areas (nonscientist), at least one member whose primary concerns are in scientific areas (scientist), and at least one member unaffiliated with the institution. Detailed Standard Operating Procedures describe additional governance, processes, and management of the IRB.