About Research Participation
Clinical trials are a way to answer a health-care question, find a better way to control a disease, or discover a cure. Someday, you or a family member may be interested in joining a research project. Before joining, we encourage you to learn more about your rights as a research volunteer and the risks and benefits of being in research. This page is designed to provide you with information to help you decide if enrolling in a research study is right for you.
What is an Institutional Review Board (IRB)?
An IRB oversees research conducted on human subjects to ensure the rights, welfare and safety of the individuals who enroll in the study are protected.
At Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), the IRB is responsible for oversight of human subjects research conducted by the staff, faculty and students at VUMC. Additionally, VUMC IRB provides oversight for select Vanderbilt University (VU) studies involving VU staff, faculty, and students.
At VUMC, four IRB Committees review research involving health, behavioral, and social sciences.
In alignment with federal regulations, VUMC IRB membership is comprised of "...at least five members, with varying backgrounds to promote complete and adequate review of research activities commonly conducted by the institution. The IRB shall be sufficiently qualified through the experience and expertise of its members (professional competence), and the variety of its members, including race, gender, and cultural backgrounds, and sensitivity to such issues as community attitudes, to promote respect for its advice and counsel in safeguarding the rights and welfare of human subjects." [45 CFR 46.107]
Before any research procedures can begin, the IRB must review and approve the study protocol, the informed consent document(s), as well as any other study materials.
Please see this NIH video "How IRBs Protect Human Research Participants":
Contact Information
If you have any questions or concerns related to a research study, or would like someone to be with you during the informed consent process, please contact our Research Participant Advocate. They can be reached by email at researchparticipantadvocate@vumc.org, toll free at (866) 224-8273, or through our anonymous comment form.