The Institutional Review Board maintains ethical standards for research that involves human subjects and is an integral part of the professional process for the faculty and the University. The function of this Institutional Committee is to formulate, recommend, and oversee policies and procedures for conducting research with human participants. The privilege of conducing human subject research is granted based on a responsibility to engage in ethical research, respecting the rights of participants, and acting in a manner that is consistent with the values of the University.


The following information is sourced from the U.S. National Institutes of Health:


The IRB is charged with Ethical, Scientific and Regulatory compliance of all research at Alvernia University, having obtained a Federalwide Assurance from OHRP. The regulations established by the Federal Research Act of 1974 sets the IRB as one mechanism through which human subjects would be protected. Additional protections for various vulnerable populations have been adopted by DHHS.  The U.S. Federal Policy for the Protection of Human Subjects (also known as the Common Rule), 45 CFR 46, requires protection for human subjects.


The IRB protects the rights, safety, and welfare of human research participants by:

  • Reviewing the full protocols for planned research studies to ensure that, in its judgment, the research meets the criteria found at 45 CFR 46.111.
  • Confirming that the research plans do not expose participants to unreasonable risks.
  • Conducting continuing review of approved research at intervals commensurate with the degree of risk of the trial, but not less than once a year, to ensure that human participant protections remain in force.
  • Considering adverse events, interim findings, and any recent literature that may be relevant to the research.
  • Assessing suspected or alleged protocol violations, complaints expressed by research participants, or violations of institutional policies.


Contact Info

400 Saint Bernardine St.
Reading, PA 19607
Email: alvernia.irb@alvernia.edu  
Phone: 610-685-3338
 

Upcoming meetings

  • April 23, 2024
  • May 21, 2024
     

Deadlines

  • Materials need to be submitted via the IRBNet 10 calendar days prior to the meeting date for consideration by the convened Full IRB.
     

Resources

Institutional Review Board