Human Subjects Research Committee

The Human Subjects Research Committee (Institutional Review Board for federal purposes), is a specially constituted review body established or designated to protect the welfare of human subjects recruited to participate in biomedical or behavioral research.

The committee consists of representatives from the College of Arts and Sciences, the Graduate School, the Law School, and invested community members. (See Administrative Policies, Lewis & Clark College Faculty Handbook).

The Lewis and Clark Human Subjects Research Committee is federally mandated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to review all research proposals to ensure compliance with human subjects protocol and adherence to professional ethical standards.

Any member of the Lewis & Clark community (faculty & students) planning to conduct research using human participants must have that research reviewed and approved by the Human Subjects Research Committee. This requirement holds for all research involving human subjects, whether this research is funded or not. Student projects such as independent study and senior thesis projects involving human participants must also be reviewed by the committee.

Human Subjects Research Committee meetings are typically held on the second Tuesday of the month during fall and spring semesters, and as needed during summer semester.

To submit the required forms and application, please click on the HSRC Forms and Instructions link on the right.