Institutional Review Board
About the IRB
The Institutional Review Board (IRB) at the University of Belize is responsible for safeguarding the rights and welfare of human participants in research. The IRB ensures that all research involving human subjects adheres to ethical principles and complies with university policy. It reviews, approves, or requires modifications to research proposals and monitors ongoing projects to ensure they meet ethical standards.
Key Functions of the IRB:
- Ethical Oversight: Review all research proposals involving human participants to ensure ethical compliance.
- Monitoring and Compliance: Monitor ongoing research to ensure adherence to IRB guidelines and suspend research if safety risks arise.
- Vulnerable Populations: Ensure adequate protections for vulnerable groups, such as pregnant women, children, or prisoners.
- Informed Consent: Ensure that informed consent procedures are followed and properly documented.
- Levels of Review: Research may be subject to exempt, expedited, or full board review, depending on the nature of the study.
Proposal Submission Process
Researchers must submit their proposals to the IRB for review before beginning participant recruitment, data collection, or analysis. Students must have their proposals signed by their advisors. A written approval notification, including an IRB number, will be sent via email once the research is approved. The review process typically takes a minimum of two weeks.
For more details on how to submit your research, please refer to the IRB Policy and Procedure Manual.
Ethics Form
Internal Research
An internal researcher at the University of Belize is an individual affiliated with UB, whether a faculty member, student, or staff, who conducts research within the university. Regardless of their affiliation, internal researchers must obtain approval from the IRB before beginning any research to ensure compliance with ethical standards and policies.
View FormExternal Research
An external researcher is someone from outside UB who seeks to conduct research within the university, such as sampling from UB's community or utilizing its facilities. External researchers must also seek IRB approval before starting any research activities at UB to ensure ethical compliance and safeguard participants.
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