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Institutional Review Board

As we make decisions on how to respond to the COVID-19 infections, we want to begin by stating that our primary concern is the safety of our research participants and the research team members who work for SUNY Potsdam. Our secondary goal is to preserve the scientific integrity of the research protocols.

About the IRB

The State University of New York at Potsdam has established the Institutional Review Board (IRB) to develop and implement procedures for the protection of human subjects in research.

Federal, stateand university regulations require Institutional Review Board (IRB) review prior to conducting research involving human subjects. These regulations pertain to any research conducted by anyone affiliated with this university regardless of where the activity occurs.

What is research?

"Research means a systematic investigation, including research development, testing and evaluation, designed to develop or contribute to generalized 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." [45 CFR 46.102(d)]

This includes but is not limited to:

  • Historical, educational and business related research
  • Research using survey and interview procedures
  • Classroom projects (defined in the human subjects policy)
  • Student research activities
  • Thesis research
  • Research projects that may qualify for exemption
  • Cooperative research projects (defined in the human subjects policy)
  • Research involving clinical and experimental techniques

Each investigator, student or staff member that is involved in the study who will have contact with the subjects or raw data is required to complete human subject research training through the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) Program. Researchers are required to complete the basic CITI course initially and CITI refresher course every three years thereafter.

Questions or concerns should be directed to the David Bugg at SUNYPotsdamIRB@potsdam.edu, or by calling ext 2688 for an appointment.