Introduction:  ECU policy requires that all research projects involving human subjects be reviewed by an institutional official or a designated board before their initiation. Determination as to whether a project is "exempt" must be made by the chair of the University and Medical Center Institutional Review Board (UMCIRB),the designated ECU institutional review board. Even if not exempt, many research proposals involving no more than minimal risk to the subjects may qualify for expedited review by the chair or UMCIRB, as defined by federal law.

If a faculty person's proposed research involves human subjects which may be exempt from UMCIRB review, he/she should discuss the proposal with their unit head, and should then follow the process outlined below to seek review of the proposal by UMCIRB. This Committee has a full time staff member who is available to answer your questions in detail. The phone number is listed on the phone sheet located in the back pocket of this package.