Human Subjects Research

Western Washington University houses the administrative functions of its Institutional Review Board within the Research and Sponsored Programs Office (RSP). The Vice Provost for Research is the federally authorized Institutional Official (IO) charged with overseeing human subject research and IRB functions at WWU. This includes work to:

• Serve as the central point of contact for investigators, research subjects and regulatory agencies;
• Organize and document the IRB review process;
• Monitor research regulations;
• Provide access to educational resources for faculty and staff; and,
• Ensure the University is in compliance with federal, state, and campus policies specific to human subject protections.

An investigator must receive a written approval, or exemption determination, and complete requisite human subjects protections training prior to beginning research.

If you have any question about whether your research is subject to federal regulations, contact compliance@wwu.edu.