Human Subjects (IRB)
The IRB has been charged with reviewing and monitoring human subjects' research conducted under the auspices of Ohio University. Human subjects research is any project that meets both the federal definitions of "research" and "human subjects." Human subjects research conducted by Ohio University faculty, staff, or students is subject to IRB review or, when appropriate, a determination by the Office of Research Compliance that the research meets the criteria for an exempt category.
For projects that meet the definition of human subjects research, you must receive an IRB approval or exempt determination before you may begin your research activities.
Research is defined as a systematic investigation, including research development, testing, and evaluation, designed to develop or contribute to generalizable knowledge.
Human subject is defined as a living individual about whom an investigator conducting research:
(i) Obtains information or biospecimens through intervention or interaction with the individual, and uses, studies, or analyzes the information or biospecimens; or
(ii) Obtains, uses, studies, analyzes, or generates identifiable private information or identifiable biospecimens.
To submit for IRB review or an exempt determination, please make a new study submission in Cayuse.
If you need additional guidance, please contact us at compliance@litpliant.net
All researchers who conduct human subjects research must complete the required training http://xdd3h.litpliant.net/research/compliance/training
Cayuse Training Sessions
As of February 15, 2024, Cayuse is available for OHIO researchers to submit new IRB protocols. New study protocols are no longer being accepted in LEO. The Office of Research Compliance is hosting virtual drop-in sessions via Microsoft Teams. We will provide a general overview of the Cayuse system and answer questions about Cayuse and how to handle studies already approved in LEO. These sessions are intended to be interactive, so please come prepared to ask questions! If you'd like to schedule a virtual session for your department or college, please contact the Office of Research Compliance at compliance@litpliant.net.
For more information about Cayuse Human Ethics, including frequently asked questions, please visit our Cayuse Human Ethics webpage.
| Session Date and Time | Registration Required (closes at 3pm the day before the session) |
| Monday, March 18, 3:30 - 4:30 pm | Click here to register for 3/18 |
| Friday, March 29, 12:00 - 1:00 pm | Click here to register for 3/29 |
Check back for additional dates! | |
To view a recording of a Cayuse Informational Session for Researchers, click here. (You will need to log in with your OU credentials to view.)
LEO Training Sessions
Pre-recorded training videos are available to assist you in navigating LEO. These three videos are Navigating the IRB Process, Website Overview, and LEO Demonstration. They are intended to help faculty, staff, and students with questions they may have about the IRB review process at Ohio University and the LEO IRB submission system. The videos are available at this link: http://xdd3h.litpliant.net/research/compliance/irb-training.
If you have questions or need assistance after viewing the videos, please contact the Office of Research Compliance at compliance@litpliant.net.
- Resources Regarding Changes to the Human Subjects Regulations
- IRB Submission Procedures
- Informed Consent
- IRB Meeting Schedule
- Ohio University's Policy on Human Subjects Research
- Office of Research Compliance Policy / Procedure Guidelines [PDF]
- Standard Operating Procedures
- Authorization Agreements
- Guidance Documents
- Frequently Asked Questions - Human Subjects Research
- IRB Training Videos
Need help? For more information on research involving human subjects, email compliance@litpliant.net or call 740-593-0664.