Institutional Review Board (IRB)

UTRGV Federal Wide Assurance is FWA00000805

The Institutional Review Board at UTRGV is responsible for the oversight of all research involving human participants. They help to ensure that all research participants are treated fairly and ethically and to assist researchers at UTRGV in the inclusion of human subjects' protections in both their study designs and implementation.

• The IRB responsibility is to review and approve research protocols involving human participants to ensure that they adhere to ethical standards, federal regulations and institutional policies.
• The IRB evaluates the potential risks and benefits associated with research participation. It ensures that the risks are minimized and reasonable in relation to the anticipated benefits of the research.
• The IRB provides guidance and education to researchers on ethical conduct in research involving human participants. They also help ensure that participants understand the nature of the research and their rights through informed consent processes.

eIRB is the online system used by the UTRGV IRB to manage human research projects from initial submission through completion. Investigators can electronically complete and submit forms, track the status of their projects, manage updates and renewals/check-ins, and receive automated reminders to help ensure important deadlines are not missed.
eIRB uses single sign-on (SSO), allowing users to access the system with their existing university username and password. The system also centralizes communication with the IRB, making it easier to manage research activities in one place.
With a user-friendly interface, improved tools, and real-time access to project status, eIRB provides a more efficient way to manage research from any computer or mobile device.

eIRB Formal Announcement 

eIRB Training Session Video

Overview

LabArchives is a browser-based platform that helps you manage your laboratory data and organize your research workflow. No software installation is required — simply log in through your web browser to record, store, and access your research data.

Benefits

• Keeps your research data organized, secure, and easy to find
• Meets institutional data retention requirements
• Access your notebook anytime, from any device with a browser
• Collaborate with lab members and share data securely
• Assessable through Windows, Apple, iOS, Android, and Linux 

ORC Recommendation

The ORC strongly encourages all investigators to use LabArchives to meet data retention expectations and ensure alignment with data management requirements.

Resources

Overview video - Introduction to LabArchives

LabArchives website - The Modern Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN) – LabArchives

How to access your application

How to access your projects

How to add personnel to an IRB application

How to login to eIRB

How to request reliance on an external IRB

How to submit an amendment

How to submit an annual check-in

How to submit an initial application

How to submit an IRB continuing review application

How to submit a reportable event form

How to submit a study closure form

• The IRB conducts annual check-ins for all approved studies that are not subject to continuing review requirements. The purpose of the annual check-in is to (1) identify and close studies that are no longer active and (2) verify whether any changes have occurred in the research since the last IRB approval. Questions regarding the annual check-in process may be directed to the IRB Coordinators at irb@utrgv.edu.

• Protocols are reviewed in the order in which they are received. Please allow 7–10 business days for the IRB to complete its review. Note that delays may occur during periods of high submission volume or depending on the level of review required (e.g., exempt, expedited, or full board).

• To aid in enhancing efficiency with application processing the IRB is instituting a deadline for responding to review stipulations. Research teams will have 90 days to respond or request an extension before the application is administratively closed.

• The newly published IRB Student Manual provides clear, practical guidance for students and faculty advisors on navigating the IRB/HRPP process for student-led research. It outlines roles, responsibilities, and step-by-step procedures to support efficient protocol submission, review, and ongoing compliance. The manual serves as a central resource to promote ethical, well-managed research involving human participants. Student IRB Manual