Peer Review Guidelines

The purpose of peer review of IRB applications is to assist the Board in ensuring that proposed studies meet discipline-specific standards for human-subjects research. The peer reviewer should evaluate the quality of the research design to determine whether or not the benefits of the research outweigh the risks to participants. The peer reviewer also should evaluate whether or not the proposed study conforms to ethical practices in the relevant discipline.

Selection of peer reviewer: Departments where human-subjects research is common are strongly encouraged to designate a committee or faculty member to serve as regular peer reviewer.

Criteria for peer reviewer include:

Familiarity with the relevant discipline - The peer reviewer should be from the same department as the principal investigator when possible or from a closely-related discipline.
Experience with research - The peer reviewer should be a full-time faculty member actively involved in research. Additionally, because effective peer review calls for familiarity with the IRB review process and requirements, the peer reviewer should have submitted an IRB application within the previous 3 years or be a current Board member.
Independence from the proposed study - The peer reviewer may not be affiliated with the research being reviewed.

Note: Proposed studies that qualify for "Exempt" review do not require peer review.

Sharon N. Obasi, Ph.D., Director of Research Integrity
308-865-8225
obasis2@unk.edu

Dr. Joan Blauwkamp, IRB Chair
blauwkampj@unk.edu

Dr. Chris Waples, IRB Vice Chair
waplescj@unk.edu

Lynette Brown, Division of Research and Creative Activity Associate
308-865-8702
brownla2@unk.edu

Quick Access Links

Other Resources

Links of Interest