UW Research

March 7, 2023

For the Record- March 7, 2023: Student Office Hours, Student Requirements, Zipline and Single IRB Review

In this Issue:

Coming Soon: Spring Office Hours for Student Researchers

More Information in April

The Human Subjects Division receives many applications from a wide variety of UW students, ranging from undergraduates in the College of Arts and Sciences to residents in the School of Medicine. In reviewing student applications, we often find that students of all levels would benefit from additional support in navigating the IRB process from the beginning.

HSD is launching a pilot project to offer drop-in Zoom office hours to student researchers in April and May. Depending on the results of the pilot, we may offer additional office hours in the future.

In our experience, the best way for students to become aware of available support is through their departments, professors, and advisors. HSD will provide more information for you to share with your student researchers in our April newsletter, including office hours dates and times and Zoom information.

Reminder: IRB Application Requirements for Students

IRB 101 Tutorial and Faculty Advisor Review Required

Students and residents who are listed as the principal investigator (PI) on an IRB application must meet 2 additional requirements before receiving IRB approval or an exempt determination for their project. Not meeting these requirements up front frequently causes a delay in granting IRB approval for the student’s project.

  1. IRB 101 Training Requirement: A one-time, on-demand, e-learning tutorial about getting started with the IRB that covers the basics of human subjects research and provides important practical information about navigating the IRB process at UW.
  2. Faculty Advisor Review Requirement:

Zipline and Single IRB Review

Avoid The Two Most Common Errors

HSD sees two common errors in applications for which the UW will serve as the single IRB. Speed your review by knowing how to avoid these errors.

Error 1: Not indicating in the SmartForms that you are asking UW to review for other institutions

Solution: Make sure that you’re following the UW Reviewing for Other Institutions pathway in Zipline and that the Basic Information page on the SmartForm indicates that:

  1. The study is multi-site or collaborative (Question 4)
  2. You are not requesting authorization for an external IRB to do the review (Question 5)
  3. The UW IRB will act as the IRB for other sites or institutions (Question 6)

Error 2: Not uploading a multi-site and/or non-UW investigator supplement

Solution: HSD will need to know which non-UW institutions or individuals you are requesting that the UW IRB review on behalf of. This information is communicated to the IRB by completing and submitting one or both of the following supplements with your application:

For more guidance on preparing and submitting applications for single IRB review, refer to HSD’s webpage Steps in the Single IRB Review Process for Initial Applications or contact the Reliance Team at hsdrely@uw.edu.