The SRC/IRB
Because we are an ISEF (International Science & Engineering Fair)-Affiliated Fair, there are some standard protocols to which we must adhere. These protocols include the formation and utilization of a Scientific Review Committee/Institutional Review Board or SRC/IRB.
The existence of this board should not be taken lightly as it MUST approve ANY project involving human subjects (at any level), the use of animal tissue (of any kind) and the use of non-human vertebrate animals (at any level) -- without this approval, you WILL NOT be allowed to compete.
The following explanations and further information is provided to help you better understand the role of the SRC/IRB in our Fair process -- PLEASE take the time to read all of the information.
What is the purpose of the SRC/IRB?
The purpose of this board is to review and approve ALL projects involving high risk activities, vertebrate animals, potentially hazardous biological agents, and human research (to include the review of any surveys or questionnaires to be used in a project). NO PROJECT involved in these areas can begin experimentation BEFORE SRC/IRB approval is granted.
What professionals/persons make up the SRC/IRB?
The board is composed of four members
mandated by ISEF regulations. As also mandated by those same regulations, at least one of these members must be familiar with proper animal care procedures when reviewing projects using non-human vertebrate animals.
• A Biomedical Scientist to include a professional with one of the following
expertise: PhD, MD, DVM, DDS. or DO.
• Science Educator
• School Administrator to include a headmaster, principal or vice-principal
• A Professional knowledgeable in the evaluation of a person's physical
and/or
psychological well-being as it relates to a study
to include a
medical
doctor; a physician's assistant; a registered nurse; a psychiatrist,
a
licensed psychologist; a licensed counselor (professional or mental
health)
or a licensed social worker.
What issues does the SRC/IRB examine? The board examines the following aspects of all projects brought before it:
a) Evidence of proper supervision
b) Use of appropriate literature search and research techniques
c) Completed Forms, Signatures and Dates
d) Evidence of search for alternatives to animal use
e) Humane treatment of animals
f) Compliance with the rules and laws governing proper care and housing of
animals. See ISEF rules and suggested resources
HERE.
g) Compliance with the rules regarding potentially hazardous biological
agents. See ISEF rules and suggested resources
HERE.
h) Proper acquisition of Informed Consent. Please read about
Informed Consent.
i) Documentation of substantial expansion of continuing projects
j) Compliance with the ISEF Ethics Statement as follows: "
Scientific fraud
and misconduct are not condoned at any level of research or
competition. Such practices include plagiarism, forgery, use or
presentation of other researcher's work as one's own, and fabrication
of data. Fraudulent projects will fail to qualify for competition in any
ISEF-affiliated Fair."
What are the results of an SRC/IRB review? As a result of your project proposal being reviewed by the SRC/IRB, your proposal can either be approved or disapproved as follows:
• Approval If a project is approved, the SRC/IRB Representative will sign the
box
in #2a or #2b as appropriate on the Approval Form 1B. The approved
forms will then be returned to the students as soon as possible so that
experimentation can begin.
• Disapproval If a project is disapproved, the SRC/IRB Representative will
provide the student and the sponsor with a list of reasons for disapproval
and suggestions for changes needed for approval to be obtained.
If a REVISED project is subsequently approved, SRC/IRB signature will
be provided as soon as possible and the student and the sponsor will be
notified immediately so that experimentation can begin.
How many times must a project be reviewed by the SRC/IRB? A project must undergo SRC/IRB review a minimum of two times:
1. Initial Review for approval for experimentation as presented
2. Follow-Up Review to verify that all experimentation was conducted
according to the approved process.
3. Other Reviews as necessary to obtain approval for ANY change in
experimental procedure, questionnaire, survey, etc. proposed AFTER
approval was previously received.
Who is permitted to contact members of the SRC/IRB?* ONLY the fair director is authorized to contact the SRC/IRB directly. If you have any quesitons regarding your project that CAN NOT be answered with ALL of the information provided on this website or if you have questions regarding comments provided to you by the SRC/IRB, you should consult with your classroom teacher. More often than not, your teacher can supply you with the information you seek -- if not, he/she will handle necessary communications to the SRC/IRB.
*NO STUDENTS or PARENTS are EVER authorized to contact ANY member of the SRC/IRB directly -- such contact could jeopardize the student's eligibility to compete at the Fair.
