IRB Review Types

The Georgia Southern University Institutional Review Board (IRB) oversees research involving human subjects to ensure ethical practices, regulatory compliance, and participant protection. Projects are reviewed under different categories depending on the level of risk, study population, and type of research activity.

Understanding which review type applies to your project is essential for timely approval and compliance with federal, state, and university requirements. Below you’ll find the different IRB review types and supporting tools available to researchers.

IRB Review Types

1. Exempt Review Types – Exempt research is considered to have minimal to almost no risk to participants. It is named as such as it is considered exempt from most of the Federal Policy related to Protection of Human Subjects. Although the review type is called “exempt,” this type of research DOES require IRB review and the determination of exemption must be made by the IRB.  Note: Each exempt type has a different primary application form.
2. Expedited Review – If your research involves no more than minimal risk but does not fit one of the Exempt categories above, you should review the Expedited criteria to see if it applies to your protocol.
3. Full Board Review – If your research involves more than minimal risk, you should review the Full Board criteria to see if it applies to your protocol.  Full board review is often required for research involving:
   • Vulnerable subject populations
   • Active deception
   • Minors outside of a school setting or not participating in normal educational practices
4. International Research Review – For research that will take place outside of the US, please review the international research requirements.
5. Medical Board Review – If your research involves physical interventions, the use of blood or body fluids, ingestion, injection or inclusion of a food product, supplement, or similar product related to an intervention or evaluation, please review the medical research requirements.  
6. Non-Human Subjects Determination – Determinations for projects that do not meet the federal definition of human subjects research.
7. Collaborating with Non-GS Researchers – If you are working with researchers that are not affiliated with Georgia Southern University, please review the collaboration requirements.

Other IRB Review Forms

1. Amendment Form – Submit protocol modifications, updated applications, or revised consent forms for approved studies.
2. Continuing Review & Terminations – Annual renewals for expedited and full board projects, or termination of completed studies.
3. Other Forms & Tools – Resources and templates for consent, recruitment, safety planning, and compliance.
4. Adverse Events– Reporting procedures for unexpected problems or participant risks during the course of an approved study.
5. Termination Form – Officially close an expedited or full board project once research activities and data collection are complete

Commitment to Research Integrity

By selecting the correct review type and submitting complete applications, researchers help safeguard participants and streamline the approval process. The IRB is committed to supporting innovative scholarship while ensuring compliance with ethical and regulatory standards.

For questions or assistance with review type determination, contact the Research Integrity office at irb@georgiasouthern.edu or call 912-478-5465.