Tips for Newcomers to the HRC Review Process

Filing your first HRC Request for Review can be a bit daunting, so we've put together the following checklist to help you through the process. If you have additional questions, check the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section of the HRC homepage, or contact us directly.

1. Read the Handbook for Research Investigators. This guide will give you information about conducting research involving human participants, such as the different review categories, consent form requirements, etc. Click here to download. (.pdf)
2. Complete the CITI tutorial (http://www.citiprogram.org/)
   
   • If you are a student, make sure your faculty advisor has also completed this, or equivalent training in human research protection.
     
3. Complete the "HRC Request for Review" form (HRC Homepage under Forms). Please make sure you complete all necessary fields and answer all questions on page 3.
4. If you're not sure if your study qualifies for exempt or expedited review--or whether it meets the regulatory definition of research at all--click here for more guidance. Or see the decision flow charts provided by the Office of Human Research Protections.
5. If you are a student, be sure to obtain your faculty advisor's signature on the Request for Review form. This is the only page you need to send to the HRC as a hard copy if you're using on-line protocol submission. The signed page should be mailed to "Human Research Committee, 26 UCB" as soon as possible after submitting your protocol on-line.
6. Submit your protocol to the HRC online database. For information and to set up on account on IRBManager, see IRB_Manager.html.
7. Be sure to attach all the necessary documents when you submit your protocol online:
   
   • Request for review form
   • Consent / assent form(s), when applicable
   • Advertisement, such as fliers, etc.
   • Surveys / questionnaires
   • Letters of agreement from your research host, when applicable (click here for more information) (.pdf)
   • Academic Curriculum Vitae, or other description of qualifications to conduct the research. (More detail is needed when the research involves sensitive topics or vulnerable populations.)