Institutional Review Board (IRB)

The IRB closes during the month of August and for the duration of Winter Break. No applications are processed at those times.

The Institutional Review Board reviews and monitors biomedical and behavioral research involving human subjects. In accordance with the Department of Health and Human Services, an IRB has the authority to approve, require modifications in, or disapprove research.

The IRB is co-chaired by faculty from our graduate programs, and its members are drawn from the areas of study across the University. Individuals at Lesley University conducting research involving human subjects are required to submit an application for review by the IRB.

Institutional Review Board Information

Send all applications to: irb@lesley.edu. See current application form under Documents & Forms.
Make sure that the last name of the author is the leading text on all file names
All applications must be in Microsoft Word or in a PDF
All applications must include a human subjects training certificate issued within the last 5 years for key personnel

You can access the human subjects training through this link from the U.S. Health and Human Services. It is necessary to complete both lessons 1 and 2 and obtain a certificate from each lesson. With your IRB application, you should submit both certificates (Lessons 1 and 2). Please note that completion of lessons 3, 4, and 5 are not necessary or required by the IRB.
Please allow 6–8 weeks for a full review
Expedited applications take 4–6 weeks
The following document is used by the IRB committee while conducting reviews. Please use this document as a reference when completing an application. Complete applications may reduce the number of revision requests and expedite the timeline for application approval. View the Application Review Checklist.

The IRB requires special review and approval of any research proposal involving children using the Pre-Review Form before a regular IRB application is submitted. The Pre-Review process ensures compliance with University policies on interactions with children. See relevant documents and forms below.

Process Instructions Research with Children (PDF)

Pre-Review Form Research with Children (PDF)

Program Registration Form (PDF)

Program Registration Form with IRB Directions (PDF)

Guidelines for Interacting with Children (PDF)

Assent Form Examples (PDF)