Institutional Review Board 

Frequently Asked Questions

The following is a compilation of answers to questions asked of the University of Belize  Insitituional Review Board.

What is the purpose of an Institutional Review Board (IRB)?

An IRB is a review committee established to ensure that the rights and welfare of human research subjects are protected. Some institutions use different names for the committee, e.g. Research Ethics Board or Independent Ethics Committee. 

Why was an Institutional Review Board (IRB) established at the University of Belize?

One of the functions of the University of Belize (UB), established in the UB Act, is to engage in research that responds to national development needs. In fulfilling this research function it is imperative that researchers at UB do so in a responsible and ethical manner, particularly as it relates to the protection of human participants in research. To fulfil this aim, the IRB Policy and Procedures were developed to: (i) establish the ethical principles that will regulate the conduct of research that involves human participants; (ii) explain the procedures by which the ethical compliance of research projects will be assured; and, (iii) identify the composition and operation of the IRB. 

When was the Institutional Review Board (IRB) process initiated at the University of Belize?

The first IRB review committee members were appointed in June 2022. The first IRB applications were processed in August 2022. 

What is the composition of the IRB?

At the University of Belize, the IRB is comprised of six individuals, as listed below. 

Internal to the University 

a) Two members whose primary concerns is in the health/behavioral/social sciences  

b) One member whose concern is in Non-Scientific

External to the University 

a) One member whose primary concern is in the health/ behavioral/social sciences 

b) Two members whose concern is in non-scientific areas (human rights, community, legal) 

 Research/Quality Assurance officer of the University as an ex-officio member and coordinator of the IRB. 

Each member listed will serve for a term of two years with possibility for renewal. 

At times the IRB may not have the necessary expertise to review a particular proposal in which case it may seek the  expert advice from outside the IRB. Such expert will not constitute a member of the IRB and will not have voting  rights. Such expert will be requested to disclose any conflicts of interest.  

The Board will select a chair and vice-chair from the University members in the Board

The committee members are expected to:

Be sensitive to community attitudes

Have knowledge and experience with vulnerable populations (persons potentially vulnerable to coercion or undue influence)

Be conversant with applicable regulations, state and local laws, and standards of professional conduct

What is the mandate of the UB IRB?

To review, require modifications for approval, approve or disapprove all research activities conducted under the auspices of the University of Belize

To safeguard the rights and welfare of human participants in research in keeping with the IRB policy and procedure manual.

To determine and recommend whether the research proposal requires any other review at the national level.

To require and review reports, conduct inspections, and conduct overall monitoring of research involving human subjects.

To suspend or terminate approval when research is not being carried out in accordance with the IRB requirements or when it poses unexpected risk to subjects.

To carry out investigations of research ethics violations.

What issues are assessed by an IRB?

Does the research involve vulnerable populations (pregnant women, foetuses, neonates, prisoners, children)?

Have the risks to subjects been minimized using procedures that are consistent with sound research design?

Are the risks reasonable in relation to anticipated benefits?

Is the selection of subjects equitable?

Are adequate procedures in place to ensure privacy and confidentiality?

Is there a plan to monitor the data and safety of the subjects, if necessary?

Will informed consent be sought and appropriately documented? Do proposed alterations or waivers of informed consent meet the criteria for approval?

Are safeguards in place to protect vulnerable populations?

Who are considered researchers at UB?

Researchers may be internal or external to UB. Internal researchers include anyone engaged in research including academic staff, graduate students and undergraduate students who are conducting research with human subjects. External researchers are those who intend to use UB personnel as human subject participants in their study. 

When are researchers required to submit an IRB application?

All research proposals involving human participants must be submitted for IRB revision. Researchers should submit their applications as soon as they have finalised their research proposals. In the case of students, proposals must be signed off by their advisors. Please note that written approval from the IRB must be received before a researcher can begin participant recruitment, data collection, or data analysis. A written notification, with an IRB number,  will be sent to you via e-mail when your project has received IRB approval.

How long does it take for IRB approval?

The IRB committee has indicated that the process will take a minimum of two weeks from the date of acknowledgement of receipt of your application.

How does a researcher apply to the UB IRB?

The UB IRB process moved to electronic submission from June 2023. You may complete the Ethics Form found at research.ub.edu.bz

What does the IRB process entail?

All applications (with supporting attachments) undergo preliminary review by the IRB Chair, who determines the level of review applications will undergo. The Chair may request additional information about the proposed research project. The Chair may also invite ad hoc reviewers to assist in the review process when additional expertise is necessary; such reviewers serve as nonvoting consultants.

There are three levels of review for research involving human subjects (1) exempt from further review; (2) expedited review; and, (3) full board review. The details of each are outlined in the Institutional Review Board (IRB) Policy and Procedure Manual (2022).  

The UB IRB committee can:

Approve research

Disapprove research

Require modifications to secure approval

Conduct continuing reviews

Suspend or terminate approval

Observe, or have a third party observe, the consent process and the research procedures

The IRB Chair will notify researchers, in writing, about the outcome of the IRB committee reviews, including modifications required to secure IRB approval of the research activity. 

If the IRB decides to disapprove a research activity, the written notification must provide the reasons for its decision and give the researcher an opportunity to respond in person or in writing.

Can the IRB approve a project retroactively?

No. All research projects must attain IRB approval BEFORE data collection begins.

Where can I get more information? 

Please review the Institutional Review Board (IRB) Policy and Procedure Manual (2022; currently under review) for more details. You may also contact the Research Office ([email protected]) for more information.