Institutional Review Board
The Institutional Review Board (IRB) Office serves as the central hub for Augusta University’s Enterprise Human Research Protection Program (HRPP). The Augusta University IRB is fully accredited by the Association for the Accreditation of Human Research Protection Programs (AAHRPP), reflecting the University’s commitment to the highest standards of ethical and regulatory oversight in human subjects research. Guided by the ethical principles of the Belmont Report and applicable federal, state, and institutional regulations, the IRB oversees human subjects research to minimize risk, ensure informed consent, and protect research participants.
The IRB is authorized to approve, exempt, modify, monitor, or disapprove research involving human subjects. IRB approval or an official determination of exemption is required before any study-related activities may begin.
The IRB Office supports the research community by providing education, consultation, and submission guidance, fostering a culture of integrity, accountability, and respect for research participants across the University.
Mission
The mission of the Augusta University Institutional Review Board (IRB) is to safeguard the rights, dignity, and well-being of individuals who participate in research. Through high-quality review, education, and guidance, we promote ethical, compliant, and responsible human subjects research across the University.
Contact Us
Research Compliance
Health Sciences Campus
Augusta, GA 30912
(Institutional Compliance Hotline)
Resources for Investigators
Tools for Researchers Database
Access the Tools for Researchers database to view IRB-related and institutional policies. Enter a search term—such as IRB, IRB templates, IRB policy, IRB guidance, Exempt, or Expedited—to review a list of relevant documents matching your search.
Online Human Subjects Determination (OHSD) Form
The Online Human Subjects Determination (OHSD) form is an electronic tool that collects key project details to determine if an activity qualifies as human subjects research and whether IRB review is required. Effective November 1, 2025, this will be the sole method for HSDs.
IRB Study Consultation
Use this service if your project has already been determined (e.g., via OHSD or prior knowledge) to qualify as human subjects research and you need help preparing a submission to the Augusta University IRB. During the IRB Submission Consultation, an IRB consultant will provide step-by-step, study-specific guidance to help you prepare a complete submission under the appropriate review pathway (exempt, expedited, full board, or reliance/multi-site).
Virtual Walk-In Wednesday: IRB Educational Webinar Series
IRB Training Session
Our office offers tailored educational support to Augusta University faculty and staff through one-on-one training and guest lectures on human subjects research and ethics.
Protocol Builder
IRB Training Videos
Getting Started Guide for IRB Submissions
CITI Program Training
IRB Office Internship
Research Announcements & New Initiatives
Innovative Solutions for Compliance and Research Management
IRBNet is an electronic IRB submission system that was implemented by Augusta University IRB in May 2014.
