About Institutional Review Board (IRB)
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).
CITI Training
In accordance with federal regulations, the ABAC IRB requires all responsible researchers, co-investigators, key personnel, including unaffiliated investigators, and faculty advising student researchers to complete the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) educational program.
Co-investigators from other institutions may not be required to complete this training if they have a current certificate of completion from their own federally assured IRB.
FAQ
These resources are provided to help you determine if your project or activity qualifies for IRB review and to assist as you initiate the review process. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact Mr. Scott Pierce, Director of Sponsored Programs and IRB Chair, at 229-391-4983 or scott.pierce@abac.edu.
Review Types
Exempt Review
Exempt Review research involves no more than minimal risk to participants. Exempt review consists of an initial IRB review, and following classification as exempt, the study is exempted from continuing annual IRB oversight. Please note that all future proposed revisions to an exempted study must be reviewed by the IRB prior to implementation to ensure the study remains exempt. A study is classified as exempt when it falls under one or more of the six categories of exempt research.
Expedited Review
Expedited Review is conducted when a project involves no more than minimal risk to participants but the project cannot be classified as exempt. Initial review consists of review by the IRB chair and one or more IRB members. The study is subject to continuing oversight by the IRB on an annual basis.
Full Board Review
Full Board Review is conducted when a project involves more than minimal risk to participants, and initial review includes all members of the IRB. The study is subject to continuing oversight by the IRB on an annual basis. Investigators (and faculty advisors, if applicable) are required to attend the IRB meeting at which the study will be reviewed.
An application that is recommended for full board review must first be processed under an Expedited Review.
Exempt Research
Application & Forms
Federal IRB and FWA
Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College’s IRB is registered with the Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP) as IRB00007799.
The ABAC IRB holds a Federal-wide Assurance (FWA) of Compliance with OHRP as FWA 00028397.
Helpful Links & Resources
Contact Information
Phone: 229.391.4983
Email: scott.pierce@abac.edu
2802 Moore Hwy, Tifton, GA 31793