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Before You Apply

The principal investigator must be familiar with the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ Procedures and Guidelines for obtaining institutional approval for research activities involving humans. BEFORE you begin the application process, you MUST read the IRB Procedures and Guidelines and you MUST complete the required training in the protection of human participants in research. Principal investigator(s), faculty sponsor(s) and any other ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ personnel who will assist with the data collection must submit proof of training in the use of human participants in research before the IRB will review any protocol.

The IRB cannot, and will not, review protocols for projects that are already in progress or have been completed.

Completing the Application for Approval of Investigations Involving Human Participants

Student Principal Investigators

• The principal investigator prepares the IRB application with the assistance and approval of their faculty mentor.
• Appendices labeled PI first initial last name_appendice title_first initial last name of mentor_vdate of creation (ex. RKemp_online consent_JBrogan_v08292023)
• CITI certificates labeled First initial last name_CITI_date of completion (RKemp_CITI_08292023)
• All files should be put into one folder titled PI first initial last name_faculty first initial last name (RKemp_JBrogan)
• The complete application packet is submitted by email to msu.irb@murraystate.edu by the Faculty Mentor only. All IRB applications submitted by students will be deleted without review. Application materials are to be found on the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ IRB website.
  • Email Subject: Student IRB Submission, first initial last name
  • Email Body:
    • Principal Investigator
    • Faculty Mentor
    • Department
    • Project title
    • Project period
• The principal investigator and faculty mentor will be notified via e-mail of the identification number and receipt of the IRB application, within 48 business hours.
• The Compliance Coordinator conducts an Initial Review to determine that the IRB application is complete and contains the following:
  • Completed Application
  • CITI Certifications for all researchers
  • The final format for online/electronic tests. Questionnaires, etc.
  • Proposed consent (or assent) forms, including text of oral explanations/scripts
  • Letter (or email) from agency granting permission to use their name
  • Letter (or email) of approval from participating organizations on official letterhead or with official title.
  • Copyrighted tests, questionnaires, etc.… and include evidence of permission to use.
  • All other specially designed or public domain tests. Questionnaires, interview protocols, debriefing, etc.

Faculty Protocol Submission

• The principal investigator prepares the IRB application 
• Appendices labeled PI first initial last name_appendice title_vdate of creation (ex. JBrogan_online consent_v08292023)
• CITI certificates labeled First initial last name_CITI_date of completion (RKemp_CITI_08292023)
• All files should be put into one folder titled PI first initial last name_date of submission (JBrogan_08292023)

• The complete application packet is submitted by email to msu.irb@murraystate.edu. Application materials are to be found on the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ IRB website.
  • Email Subject: Student IRB Submission, first initial last name
  • Email Body:
    • Principal Investigator
    • Department
    • Project title
    • Project period
• The principal investigator and faculty mentor will be notified via e-mail of the identification number and receipt of the IRB application, within 48 business hours.
• The Compliance Coordinator conducts an Initial Review to determine that the IRB application is complete and contains the following:
  • Completed Application
  • CITI Certifications for all researchers
  • The final format for online/electronic tests. Questionnaires, etc.
  • Proposed consent (or assent) forms, including text of oral explanations/scripts
  • Letter (or email) from agency granting permission to use their name
  • Letter (or email) of approval from participating organizations on official letterhead or with official title.
  • Copyrighted tests, questionnaires, etc.… and include evidence of permission to use.
  • All other specially designed or public domain tests. Questionnaires, interview protocols, debriefing, etc.

Download the Application for Approval of Investigations Involving Human Participants (DOC)

Submitting the Application

After completing the application and obtaining signatures, the original application (including the signed signature page) should be saved as a .pdf file; all supporting materials (consent documents, cover letters, recruitment fliers, etc.) should be in .doc, .rtf or .pdf format. The signed application and supporting documents files must be emailed to the IRB Coordinator via e-mail to msu.irb@murraystate.edu. Receipt of these materials in this manner will decrease the time needed for processing the protocol.

Applications must be received by the deadlines listed in the IRB Schedule.

Notification

Each applicant will be notified in writing of the IRB's decision. If the applicant is a student, the decision notification will be sent to the faculty mentor. If you have questions, please contact the IRB Coordinator, Reigh Kemp, at 270.809.2916 or msu.irb@murraystate.edu.

The principal investigator may not initiate any research activity involving humans until written notification of IRB approval and compliance with any and all contingencies made in connection with said approval has been received.