2i. Regulatory review committee opportunities
Faculty and staff may serve on several research-related committees to support responsible stewardship within the University of Iowa research community.
When an investigator involved in research has a financial interest, that interest must be evaluated to prevent violations of state or federal law and to uphold principles of ethics and fairness.
Appointed by the vice president for research, the University of Iowa Conflict of Interest in Research Committee (CIRC) includes faculty representing a broad range of disciplines. In addition to its voting members, the committee includes nonvoting advisory members from various administrative offices.
The Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) are responsible for protecting human subjects in research, regardless of sponsorship or whether the research is subject to federal regulation.
Three University of Iowa IRBs oversee biomedical research, social and behavioral research, and research conducted at the Veterans Administration Health Care System (VAHCS).
The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) promotes and facilitates scientific research while ensuring compliance with laws, regulations, and policies governing the humane care and use of animals.
The IACUC reviews and oversees animal activities; encourages alternatives and techniques that reduce animal numbers and minimize pain or distress; and fosters a culture of concern and responsibility for animal welfare in research and teaching.
The Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) ensures that work involving biological materials meets all applicable safety, legal, and ethical requirements.
The Laboratory Safety Committee (LSC) promotes a safe working environment in research and teaching laboratories, as well as research-supporting shops on campus, by addressing chemical and physical hazards.
The LSC develops, recommends, updates, and maintains policies and procedures to support strong health and safety practices and to promote safe research activities at the University of Iowa.
The Radiation Safety Committee (RSC) is composed of four interrelated committees that provide oversight of the radiation protection program, including review, policy development, and radioactive materials use authorization.
The Research Council meets regularly to advise the vice president for research on matters related to the university’s research enterprise.