Institutional Review Board: Seeking New Members
The Office of Regulatory Affairs is seeking new members to serve on the Institutional Review Board (IRB). Anyone is potentially eligible to sit on a committee as a voting member. At this time, we are especially looking for members who do not have a scientific background and are interested in the protection of human subjects, ethics and research. We are also recruiting physician scientists.
No experience necessary, only a willingness to review research protocols and participate in monthly meetings. If you are interested in joining or if you have further questions about becoming an IRB member, please email: joinirb@pobox.upenn.edu.
IRB members are an important part of the research process and have access to the latest technology and science. Participation on an IRB helps to ensure that the research taking place at Penn adheres to the highest standards of ethical conduct and quality. The IRB is responsible for monitoring research projects conducted at Penn for the protection of human subjects and ethical integrity.
All research involving human subjects conducted here at the University of Pennsylvania, including medical and social science research, is monitored by eight different IRB committees. Each committee meets once per month for approximately two hours. Meetings involve discussion of the research protocols with other committee members, who are from diverse backgrounds, disciplines, and perspectives. This aspect makes serving on the IRB an informative and enlightening experience. Additional information may be found at www.upenn.edu/regulatoryaffairs.
Meetings take place at 133 South 36th Street. Members are provided with meeting materials 7-14 days prior to each monthly meeting. A small compensation is available to members not affiliated with Penn. Lunch is provided at all meetings.
–Yvonne K. Higgins, Associate Director,
Human Subjects Research, Office of Regulatory Affairs
Almanac, Vol. 52, No. 6, October 4, 2005
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