FAQs

How long will it take for my protocol to be reviewed?

The IRB Office reviews 600 - 700 applications and protocol related requests annually, in addition to other duties. The easiest way to reduce the review back and forth is to submit a thorough application. Be sure to answer all questions completely. With the exception of the consent (which should adequately summarize the entire project for your subjects), all information should be entered only once in the section it belongs.
Expect longer wait times early to mid-semester as application volume increases significantly during these times.
Typical minimum turnaround times are as follows: Exemptions: 1 week - Submit anytime; Expedited: 2 weeks - Submit anytime; Full Committee Review: Submit Full Committee Review application by the deadline. Applicants will receive a response no more than 10 business days after the date of the IRB meeting.

Out of fairness to all applicants, applications are reviewed in the order they are received.

Students may serve as PIs at the Exempt level only.
Only faculty may serve as the responsible PI on Expedited and Full Committee Review protocols. graduate students should work with their Faculty Advisors on thesis or dissertation application at this level.
Faculty PI's must submit the first version of the Expedited or FCR application and agree to all PI responsibilities. Students can be added as protocol personnel.
After the this first submission, lab managers or other personnel designated by the primary PI may put in subsequent submissions and respond to revision requests.

Research involving children and youth requires additional safeguards and may be subject to both federal regulations and MSU requirements.
Depending on the study, investigators may need to address child assent, parent or guardian permission, age- and ability-appropriate materials, supervision, personnel screening and training, privacy, safety, and protections for remote interactions.
Requirements do vary depending on the level of IRB review: exempt, expedited, or full committee.
Because requirements vary by study, researchers should plan early and clearly describe these protections in their IRB application.
Click here to review MSU’s Guidelines for Working with Children in Research.

Yes, it is the PI's responsibility to keep the protocol current and up to date, including submitting all changes prior to implementation.

Check in your unsubmitted folder. Go to Protocols - Open Unsubmitted Protocols - Click on your protocol. If you start anything on a protocol, and do not finish it, it will automatically be placed in unsubmitted.
Check your retuned protocols. Go to Protocols - Open Returned Protocols - Click on your protocol. Make sure to submit after making changes or it will sit in returned status.

Email is the best first point of contact. Reach the IRB at IRB@montana.edu or by phone at (406) 994-4706. You are also welcome to stop by Lewis Hall 101-C. For project-specific questions, it helps to include your protocol number, a brief description of your question, and any relevant materials to give the most accurate guidance possible.

Yes. Wide Horizons welcomes people of all ages and abilities, including children, youth, adults, and families. Members can learn about research opportunities, connect with other community members, and participate through remote online activities or in-person meetups.
Children's participation in research always requires parental permission in addition to the child's own agreement.
Joining does not commit anyone to a research study. You/your family can review each opportunity, ask questions, and decide whether participating is right for you.
Click here to learn more about Wide Horizons and MSU’s Research Participant Community