Engagement
In research done by Samford University faculty, staff or students, Samford University may not be considered engaged in the research according to the OHRP guidelines.
In general, Samford University is considered engaged in a particular non-exempt human subjects research project when its employees or agents for the purposes of the research project obtain: (1) data about the subjects of the research through intervention or interaction with them; (2) identifiable private information about the subjects of the research; or (3) the informed consent of human subjects for the research.
If the IRB chair makes a determination that Samford University is not engaged in the research, then the primary investigator will be notified in writing.
If Samford University is determined to be engaged in research that has one or more connections to other institutions that also have Institutional Review Boards (an “outside IRB”), a reciprocal review may be granted.
This policy is intended to cover when the Samford IRB may defer to an approval of research granted by an outside IRB, rather than conducting an independent review. It shall only apply when an outside IRB has formally approved a research project, and not when review is pending or incomplete.
Off-Campus Researcher Policy
It is the policy of the Samford University IRB that all research that will involve Samford staff, students, facilities and/or name should have a Samford University co-investigator. Use the following decision tree for further direction. Any questions can be directed to irb@samford.edu.
