Policy on Research Using Human Subjects

St. Catherine University affirms its policy to safeguard and respect the rights and welfare of human subjects in scientific research. In order to do this, the University is responsible for providing review of all research that involves human subjects. This applies to all research, irrespective of funding, carried on at the University or under the University’s auspices. The review must be complete prior to the initiation of the research.

This responsibility to protect human subjects in research has been assigned to the Institutional Review Board for the Protection of Human Subjects in Research (IRB). The policies and procedures of this board are designed to meet minimal criteria established by federal law and federal regulations. The IRB is composed of faculty, staff and noncollege community representatives; contact (651) 690-6203 or see www.stkate.edu/IRB.

Depending on the nature of the research and the degree of risk, there are three levels of review that have been established:
1) Exempt Status;
2) Expedited Review; and
3) Full Review.

All research must be reviewed by the IRB Committee. Students who intend to do research involving human subjects must contact the supervising faculty member or call the IRB Office at (651) 690-6203 for information about policies and procedures.