🧪 Does My Project Need IRB or IACUC Approval?

Many Departmental Honors projects involve research with people or animals. If yours does, there are additional approval steps you must complete before beginning your research.

The good news: Not every thesis requires IRB or IACUC approval.

If you're unsure, talk with your faculty supervisor early—they'll help determine which process (if any) applies to your project.

👥 Research with Human Participants (IRB)

You may need Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval if your project involves collecting information from people.

Examples include:

✅ Surveys

✅ Interviews

✅ Focus groups

✅ Experiments involving human participants

If your project requires IRB approval, you must receive approval before contacting participants or collecting any data.

What Should I Do?

Discuss your project with your faculty supervisor.
Determine whether your project requires IRB review.
Complete any required CITI training.
Submit your IRB application through IRBIS (if required).
Wait for approval before beginning research.

📄IRB Website

📄 How to Register for CITI Training

📧 Questions? irb@uncw.edu

🐢 Research with Animals (IACUC)

If your project involves live vertebrate animals, it may require approval from the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC).

Like IRB approval, IACUC approval must be received before any research begins.

Because IACUC meets only a few times each year, it's important to begin planning early.

What Should I Do?

Discuss your project with your faculty supervisor.
Determine whether IACUC approval is required.
Complete any required training.
Submit your IACUC application.
Wait for approval before beginning research.

📄 IACUC Website

📧 Questions? iacuc@uncw.edu

💡 Not Sure If This Applies to You?

Many students aren't sure whether their project requires IRB or IACUC approval.

If you're asking questions like:

"I'm only doing interviews..."
"I'm sending out a survey..."
"I'm working with public data..."
"I'm observing animals..."

Talk with your faculty supervisor first. They can help determine whether approval is needed and direct you to the appropriate resources.

Helpful Resources

🔗 Research Integrity Office

🔗 IRB Decision Charts

🔗 IRB Website

🔗 IACUC Website

🔗 CITI Training Registration Guide