In order to accommodate University IRB changes, and to facilitate and speed processing, the College of Communication & Information Human Subjects Review Committee (CCI DRC) has adopted the following procedures for seeking approvals for conducting Human Subjects Research.If you have questions about the CCI IRB process email irb@cci.utk.edu
The Office of Research has changed the application procedure for Human Subjects/IRB. Researchers have to use the new online application system, iMedRIS.
iMedRIS (Integrated Medical Research Information System) is a web-based system that enables online application submission, real-time submission tracking, review, and post-approval compliance activities, and data management. It is used to process all of the research applications that are submitted to the Institutional Review Board (IRB).
The Office of Research and Engagement has created training resources for IMedRIS. The page includes guides, schedule of training classes, and a video. The page can be found here: https://research.utk.edu/proposal-support/toolkit/research-tools/imedris/imedris-resources
Procedures for seeking IRB approvals for Human Subjects Research
While in iMedRIS, go to the Study Assistant and click on “Add a New Project” and try to follow the directions. At this time, the project doesn’t fit the standard Form A or Form B formats, but do your best to provide what it asks for. It will guide you through all of the steps, and then will notify you of any further actions needed.
CCI External Grant Research Proposal Development Forms
IRB Guides – the what and why of reviews
- Checklist (Word file)
- Tips for Quicker IRB Approval (PowerPoint file)
- List of Criteria for Expedited Review (Word file)
UT IRB Resources
- IRB UTK Form 1 Instructions PDF
- Moving Through IRB Basics
- UT Office of Research Integrity
The UT Office of Research Integrity page provides a number of additional links and guides
UT IRB Document Samples
- Sample Study Statement (as introduction or for recruitment)
- Sample Informed Consent
- Sample Assent Form (for minors or other protected groups)
- Sample Confidentiality Pledge (for transcribers or others with access to raw confidential data)
- HIPAA Template (only used if you’re getting medical information from covered sources)