Research Review and Compliance

Research projects that involve human beings, animals, dangerous substances and other issues may require review and approval by appropriate research review boards.

If your research may fall into one of these categories, make sure that you consult the relevant research oversight entities. 

• The oversight entity determines whether your research requires review.  It is not your decision, so it is always safer to ask.
• If your research requires review and you don't obtain it, you may be prohibited from using the data you uncover, even for your dissertation.  The potential loss is great, so it's better to ask.

The umbrella organization for these concerns is the Office of Compliance.  Below are some of the Emory offices that administer different kinds of research review and oversight.

• Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) provides oversight to ensure the proper use, care and treatment of animals involved in research, testing and education.
• Institutional Review Board (IRB) operates to safeguard and promote the health and welfare of human research subjects by ensuring that their rights, safety and well-being are protected.
• The Environmental Health and Safety Office (EHSO) supports the university’s mission through oversight and guidance for the use, storage and disposal of the following materials used in research, clinical, academic and operational activities:
  • Biological toxins, infectious agents, or recombinant DNA agents
  • Chemicals
  • Radioactive materials