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IRB Investigator Policies

Based on Federal Regulations and University Policy, all research involving humans — including projects with human subject data — must be reviewed and approved by the IRB prior to implementation, regardless of location. Investigators, including students, conducting research without the proper approval will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.

Who May Serve as a Principal Investigator?

The Principal Investigator (PI) is responsible to ensure that the design and conduct of research involving human subjects complies with institutional policies, state laws and federal regulations. Other responsibilities include supervising the conduct of research and protecting the rights, safety and welfare of the research subjects. Any full-time faculty, part-time faculty, emeriti faculty or other qualified adjunct/affiliate faculty or administrative staff of Ferris State University may serve as the PI.

Can Students Serve as a Principal Investigator?

Students may not serve as the PI on a research project; student investigators must have a faculty advisor who holds responsibility for complying with all relevant requirements, policies and procedures.

What is Multi-Site/Collaborative Research?

Ferris Investigators conducting collaborative research--that is, research involving Ferris State University and one or more organization, institution or agency other than Ferris — should contact the IRB office when collaborative research  is being planned. At times, FSU may rely on the IRB of another institution or organization; alternatively, the external site IRB may agree to rely upon the Ferris IRB. Ferris State University will determine reliance on a case-by-case basis where a site reliance agreement is not already in place with the organization. See our Multi-Site/Collaborative Research page for additional information.