Getting Started

Institutional Review Board (IRB)

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Getting Started:  A Quick Overview of the IRB Review Process for Investigators

  1. Make sure that your project will require IRB review.  Read the document “Is it Human Subjects Research?”  If in doubt, contact the IRB office by email at irb@umontana.edu.
  2. All research team members need to complete a Human Subjects Protection course before the IRB application can be approved (may be waived by the IRB Chair for some exempt projects).  This includes the PI, Co-PI, faculty supervisor, and any research assistants.  Be sure to keep the certificate of course completion, and be ready to enter the date of completion in the IRB Application in item #2.
  3. Fill out the IRB Application.  Follow the directions on the form.

Other considerations and documents that may be required:

  • Recruitment materials (flyers/posters, etc.) - these must be approved and date-stamped by the IRB before using.
  • Informed Consent Form – this must be approved and date-stamped by the IRB before using; see the ICF template.
  • Minors (age 17 or younger) – include a parental permission form and minor assent form; these must be approved and date-stamped by the IRB before using.
  • Online surveys – attach the Statement of Confidentiality form and a copy of the actual survey questions; use the online consent template and incorporate it into the beginning of the survey.
  • Off-site locations (schools, reservations, parks, etc.) – include a written letter (or email) of permission to conduct your research from the proper site official. Schools require permission from the principal or district superintendent. Reservations have individual requirements. Federal lands may require a research permit (NSF, USFS). Contact the IRB office for specific instructions.
  • Foreign Countries – fill out and attach the Foreign Site Study Appendix (RA-112).

All documents must be submitted electronically from your UM email account.

How long will this process take?

If no additional information or materials are needed, then approximately:

  • 2 weeks or less for Expedited and Exempt review (no application deadlines). Please note that review time may increase to 4 weeks during high volume periods.
  • 4 - 8 weeks for Full Committee review (applications due by 1st day of the month)

Top reasons that IRB applications are returned for revisions

IRB Essentials

  • The IRB review must be conducted before you involve human participants in your research, including any study advertisement, subject recruitment, or data collection.
  • You need to have final, written IRB approval before you begin. All consent forms and flyers must be approved, date-stamped, and signed by the IRB before being used.
  • If you do not have IRB approval for your research, your research project cannot be recognized by UM and, for students, may not be accepted to fulfill any academic requirements.
  • Except in very limited circumstances, the IRB cannot review research that has already been conducted.

Expedited and Full Committee Reviewed Projects:  Additional Requirements

  • Continuing Review – projects reports are due annually if there is an expiration date. Projects for which approval has expired are in non-compliance with federal regulation and UM IRB policy, and all work must cease. 
  • Closing out the Project – a closure report must be filed when the research is completed, when analysis is continuing with de-identified data only, or if the project has been abandoned or significantly postponed.

Need assistance?  Please contact the IRB office by email at irb@umontana.edu.

Please note:  The information provided here is intended to be a quick reference for PI’s on how to get started with the IRB review process.  It is not intended to be comprehensive, and the IRB may require additional materials.  Official UM IRB policies can be found on our Policies and Guidance page.