The mission of ABAC’s IRB is to regulate and advise ABAC faculty, staff and students with respect to research involving human subjects. Activities meeting the ABAC IRB definition of research must receive prior approval.
As defined by the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), “RESEARCH means a systematic investigation, including research development, testing and evaluation, designed to develop or contribute to generalizable knowledge. Activities which meet this definition constitute research for purposes of this policy, whether or not they are conducted or supported under a program which is considered research for other purposes. For example, some demonstration and service programs may include research activities.” The IRB uses guidelines set forth by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)’ Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP) to ensure ABAC’s compliance with federal regulations. These guidelines can be found here (DHHS) and here (OHRP).
