Office of Research Ethics
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Research Ethics & Compliance

Guidance and Direction that Reinforces Ethical Research Conduct

Iowa State’s research compliance committees promote responsible, safe, and regulatorily compliant research by providing independent review and oversight of research.  The Office of Research Ethics provides expertise, tools, and guidance on navigating complex compliance regulations and requirements, protecting those involved with research, and facilitating compliance committee review.

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Institutional Review Board (IRB) – Humans

IRB reviews research that involves human subjects. IRB approval or determination of exemption must be obtained prior to initiation of human subjects research conducted by employees, students or other agents of Iowa State.

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Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) – Animals

The purpose of IACUC is to ensure the humane care and use of animals in research, teaching and testing through compliance with guidelines and regulations. All university research or teaching activities involving the use of vertebrate animals must receive IACUC approval prior to initiation.

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Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) – Biohazards

The purpose of IBC review of teaching and research projects is to provide for the safe conduct of work involving hazardous biological materials and to ensure compliance with applicable external regulations and Iowa State University policies. IBC must approve any teaching or research project that involves use of recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid molecules.

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Radiation Safety Committee (RSC) – Radiation

The principal function of the Radiation Safety Committee (RSC) at Iowa State is to establish university policy for the safe use of radioactive materials and radiation-producing devices that comply with federal, state, and local regulations. Research projects that involve the use of radioactive materials or radiation-producing devices must receive RSC authorization.