IRB/IACUC/OARS Approvals

IRB/IACUC Approvals

Proposed research involving the use of human subjects or vertebrate animals requires approval from the University’s Institutional Review Board (IRB), or Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC).

Although most agencies only require an acknowledgment that necessary protocols are pending at the time of proposal submission, investigators need to contact the appropriate office to discuss research requirements during the proposal development stage (see below). Please keep in mind that protocols must receive IRB/IACUC approval or exemption before any research can begin.

For proposals involving the use of human subjects, contact:

For proposals involving the use of vertebrate animals, contact:

OARS Approval

The Office of Academic and Research Safety (OARS – formally EHS) manages and implements a comprehensive set of programs aimed at protecting the safety and well-being of the University community as well as maintaining compliance with will all occupational health, safety, and environmental rules and regulations.

If your research project involves use of hazardous substances/research materials, EHS will need to be notified to ensure all appropriate approvals and safety protocols are in place. A list of materials that falls under EHS purview is included below.

Northeastern University Institutional Biosafety Committee

Research, teaching, and clinical activities involving the use of the listed biological materials are reviewed by NU Institutional Biosafety Committee (NU-IBC), please contact:

University Biosafety Officer and Biosafety Program Manager
Lorena Altamirano
[email protected]

  • Recombinant Nucleic Acid Molecules
  • Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules
  • Genetically modified cells, microorganisms, animals, and plants (GMOs)
  • Viral Vector and other vector technologies
  • Nanotechnology (able to enter living cells)
  • Gene Drive Modified Organisms (GDMOs)
  • Non-genetically modified biological agents (pathogenic and non-pathogenic)
  • Human Embryonic Stem cells (hESc), Human Induced Pluripotent Stem cells (hIPc)
  • Human-sourced materials including cells, tissues, fluids, and others
  • Non-Human Primate materials including cells, tissues, fluids, and others
  • Select Agents and Toxins and other Regulated Agents
  • Infectious proteins

Radiation Safety

Does the research include any of the following materials?

  • Ionizing Radioactive materials (radionuclides in unsealed/sealed sources)
  • Ionizing Radiation producing devices (x-rays, scanning electron microscopes)
  • Non-ionizing radiation producing devices (Class 3B/4 lasers)
  • High powered magnets (MRI/NMR)
  • Radio frequency producing devices

If yes, you will need to seek approval from the Radiation Safety committee. Please visit the Radiation Safety program website for more information.

Chemical Safety

Does the research include any of the following materials?

  • Particularly Hazardous Substances (PHS). This includes chemicals with:
    • High acute toxicity
    • Carcinogens
    • Reproductive toxins
    • Highly reactive chemicals
  • Research involving nanoparticles
  • Hazardous gases including flammable gases and toxics
  • Controlled substances

If yes, please reach out to the Laboratory Safety program to ensure you have appropriate facilities and SOPs in place for the work. Please visit the Laboratory Safety program website for more information.

Last Updated on August 13, 2024