The Health Sciences IRB (HS-IRB) reviews all medical and health research protocols (except those that meet the criteria for Western IRB review). HS-IRB members come from diverse backgrounds and have a broad range of both scientific and non-scientific expertise.

The Social and Behavioral IRB (SB-IRB) reviews all non-medical research protocols including, but not limited to social, behavioral, humanities, education, anthropology, journalism, history, and environmental studies. The SB-IRB does not review protocols that are regulated by the FDA. SB-IRB members come from diverse backgrounds and have a broad range of both scientific and non-scientific expertise.

All FIU IRB Representatives are qualified to review protocols upon the criteria for approval of research outlined in University and Federal Guidelines. Investigators should first look to their college to see if they have a representative on the IRB, since a representative in your college may be more familiar with your specific area of research. If there is not a representative listed for your school or college, you may submit to an IRB representative that would be familiar with the related research area.

An IRB Representative may defer reviewing a proposal for the following reasons: 1) the IRB member does not have the expertise to review the specific area of research, 2) there is a conflict of interest, 3) the investigator is a student who they advise, or 4) time constraints.

Questions regarding IRB proposal submissions may be directed to any IRB Representative or to the IRB Coordinator.

Exemption and Expedited reviews occur continuously by individual qualified IRB Representatives.

Full Board Review of the SB-IRB normally occurs on the last Friday of the month (subject to change). Please review the submission schedule for further information.

Full Board Review of the HS-IRB normally occurs on the last Wednesday of the month (subject to change). Please review the submission schedule for further information.

Non-University Affiliated IRB Submissions ~ Please contact the FIU IRB Coordinator for guidance.

College of Medicine (COM) IRB Submissions ~ Per COM policy, all IRB submissions from COM researchers must first be submitted to the COM Administrator, Michael Paez (AHC II 459) prior to being submitted to an IRB Representative.