Institutional Review Board@ Gustavus

Our Mission

The Institutional Review Board (IRB) at Gustavus Adolphus College is committed to protecting the rights, welfare, and privacy of human research participants. We ensure that all research conducted under the college’s auspices meets ethical standards and complies with federal regulations. Our goal is to support faculty, students, and staff in conducting responsible and impactful research.

What We Review

The IRB reviews research involving human participants to assess potential risks, ensure informed consent, and promote ethical best practices. Whether you are conducting surveys, interviews, experiments, or observational studies, we provide guidance on how to align your research with ethical standards.

Who Needs IRB Approval?

Any research involving human subjects—whether conducted by faculty, students, or staff—must undergo IRB review before data collection begins. This applies to classroom projects, independent studies, grant-funded research, and collaborative studies involving external institutions.

How to Submit a Proposal

Submitting your research for IRB review is a straightforward process. Researchers must complete an application detailing their study’s purpose, methodology, and ethical considerations. Our step-by-step guidelines make it easy to navigate the approval process.

Resources & Support

The IRB provides comprehensive resources to help researchers design ethical studies--from templates for informed consent to guidance on data storage or guidance specific to student projects. Consultation sessions are also available for additional support. These can be valuable during your study planning process.

Contact Us

Have questions about the IRB process? Need assistance with your application? Contact us at g-irb@gustavus.edu