The St. Catherine University IRB is made up of faculty members and staff from both campuses and also members of the community who have no direct ties to the college. Although most IRB members are faculty in departments that do human subjects research, there are also IRB members who are not directly involved in such research.

According to federal regulation, the IRB must be composed of at least five members with a diversity of experiences, cultural backgrounds and expertise to ensure adequate review of human subjects research. The IRB must include at least one member who is not otherwise directly affiliated with St. Catherine University and who is not part of the immediate family of a person who is affiliated with the the University. The IRB must also include at least one member whose primary concerns are in scientific areas and one member whose primary concerns are non-scientific. Every effort should be made to ensure that IRB members are not homogenous in terms of gender, race or profession (45.CFR.46.107).

Members of departments with intense involvement in human subject research such as Biology, Education, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Psychology, Holistic Health and Social Work are particularly encouraged to serve as members. However, membership is not limited to these departments and both faculty and staff are eligible members.

Members of the IRB serve staggered three-year terms and there is no limit to the number of terms a member may serve.

When a vacancy occurs, a new member must be nominated by an appropriate department chair or director. Ideally, the new member should be from the same area of the college as the member he/she is replacing so as to preserve the general composition of the IRB. The IRB will vote on the candidate, and if approved, forward to the Senior Vice President a written recommendation for appointment. The Vice President shall provide written letter of appointment to the IRB and the candidate.

If you are interested in learning more about becoming an IRB member, please contact John Schmitt, the IRB Chair, for additional information!