Institutional Review Board

Overview

Last Updated:   08/25/2026

Contact Name

Robin Tyndall, Director, Office of Research Compliance
rtyndal@clemson.edu

Description

The IRB (Institutional Review Board) is a federally mandated body established under the DHHS regulations for the Protection of Human Subjects (45 CFR 46). Its purpose is to protect the rights and welfare of human subjects recruited to participate in research activities conducted under the auspices of Clemson University (CU). Faculty Manual Reference Description The Institutional Review Board (IRB) is committed to protecting the rights and welfare of human subjects who participate in research conducted by any member of the faculty, staff, or student body, regardless of the source of funding. Clemson University subscribes to the basic ethical principles that underlie the conduct of biomedical and behavioral research involving human subjects as outlined in the Belmont Report, the statement of ethical principles and guidelines for the protection of human subjects published in 1979 by the National Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects of Biomedical and Behavioral Research. The IRB is charged with ensuring that the rights and welfare of human subjects are protected in all research projects involving Clemson University faculty, staff, and students. The IRB has the responsibility and authority to review, approve, disapprove, or require changes in research activities involving human subjects. All research activities involving human subjects, regardless of source of funding, must be reviewed by the Clemson University Institutional Review Board. The IRB holds regular monthly meetings to review research applications/protocols involving human subjects. Clemson University's Federal-wide Assurance is approved by the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Institutional Review Board is registered with the Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Human Research Protections. Committee membership is structured following federal requirements and members are appointed by the President of the University. Fifty percent or more of the faculty on the committee will be tenured.

This committee is authorized by the Clemson University Committee on Committees. Changes to its description or composition should be initiated with the Faculty Senate Office.