Jan Blustein, Founding Principal Investigator
Our history: The IRB Initiative began as a series of discussions among NYU/Wagner faculty. We were faced with the need to seek IRB review for some of our work, and wanted to better understand our obligations... 
read more
This section includes several recent pieces on the apparent mismatch between social science research and the federal regulations/IRB system. It also includes some resources on what does and doesn't fall under IRB purview, and clarification about what it means for research to be "exempt" from the regulations. A separate subsection is devoted to the need for IRB review of classroom projects.
Here we provide an annotated introduction to key agencies and organizations. Also included are statements on the current IRB system by various social science professional organizations.
Much of our professional work does not fall under IRB purview. Yet that work should be conducted in an ethical fashion. This section houses a rich set of Codes of Ethical Conduct from professional organizations. Also included are some resources related to professional issues that are not emphasized in the federal regulations, such as conflict of interest.
Here are resources on teaching about ethics and teaching about the IRB system.
What is not on this site: The contents of this website are posted in the spirit of scholarly inquiry. Opinions are those of the authors only, and do not reflect those of the Wagner School or the NYU University Committee on Activities Involving Human Subjects (UCHAIS, NYU's IRB). Readers seeking definitive information about IRB matters should consult with the appropriate authorities at their institution. Those wishing to contribute additional resources or links, and those able to correct mis-information on this site, are invited to contact us at wagner.irbinitiative@nyu.edu.
As problems and questions regarding IRB human subjects review have surfaced in schools of policy and management, we have begun to receive requests for information about our experience and knowledge. In order to meet those requests efficiently, and in order to foster dialogue on these important issues, we have created this website...
read more