Human research

The University's Institutional Review Board (IRB) is responsible for protecting the rights and welfare of human research participants for all research activities conducted by, or under the supervision of, University and Affiliate faculty, staff, and students - regardless of the funding and the location of the project.

Projects that meet the definition of human subject research (including student-led research) must not be initiated until Research Integrity & Security publishes written documentation of exempt determination or IRB approval. Research Integrity & Security is the sole entity at the University with the authority to make exempt and "not human subject research" determinations.

How do I get started?

Whether you are getting ready to submit your first human research protocol or are just looking for a refresher, please start with the quickstart guide for researchers, which includes submission instructions and FAQs. Another great resource is the Human Research Protection Policy Manual.

Two researchers with test equipment in front of a one-way window with a research participant on the other side of the glass

Quickstart guide for researchers

Helpful submission instructions and FAQs

Two gerontology researchers at a counter top with a research participant

Info for research participants

Protection for the rights and welfare of volunteers

Four researchers around a table holding cell phones up to show a crisis text service

Human Research Protection Policy manual

Policies governing research with human participants

View of the back of a research participant with sensors attached with colorful wires to head and looking at a computer

General Institutional Review Board information

Meeting schedule and levels of IRB review

Research participant sitting at a test set-up to monitor eye movement and reaction for a neuroscience experiment

Info for IRB members

Resources such as federal policies and educational materials

Institutional human research protection program information

The University of Nevada, Reno Federalwide Assurance (FWA) is FWA00002306.

The University's IRB is registered with OHRP: IRB00000215.

AAHRPP accredited institution

AAHRPP Full Accreditation seal

The University is fully accredited through the Association for the Accreditation of Human Research Protection Programs, Inc. (AAHRPP), an independent, nonprofit ensuring that programs meet rigorous standards for quality and protection.

Human research contact form