Russell Sage College’s Institutional Review Board has updated its policy regarding in-person research. At this time, new research protocols may be submitted that use in-person data collection procedures. All researchers will need to describe their processes for mitigating risks due to COVID-19 in the application and in all materials given to participants (particularly in the informed consent forms). Please note that links to updated IRB application and informed consent forms have been added to this website and all researchers are expected to use the updated forms.

Continuing Research
If your research specified that you are conducting remote research and you wish to add in an in-person aspect, you must submit an amendment. Researchers can submit an email to [email protected] asking to amend their protocol. This amendment must include clear details about COVID-19 precautions and how the research protocols will include the latest CDC guidance and follow all local and state requirements. Please be as specific as possible as to the steps you will take.

The Institutional Review Board (IRB) is a committee established by Russell Sage College (RSC) to protect the rights of human subjects participating in research. Initially, the Federal Government mandated that IRBs review federally-funded human subjects research. New York State requires that all human subjects research be reviewed by an IRB. Russell Sage College’s IRB is registered with the Office for Human Research Protection of the Department of Health and Human Services and has received a Federal Wide Assurance (FWA00026452) from the agency. The Sage IRB ensures that participation in a research project is voluntary, that the decision to participate is informed, and that the benefits of the research outweigh the risks. Sage IRB requires that all researchers (including students) applying for a project review must demonstrate competency in human subjects research and provide a certificate that is dated within the last five years. Please visit the CITI Program website to complete this training if you do not already have it. To apply for Project Review, please read the Instructions for Submission of IRB projects, review the IRB project review forms and check the IRB Policy and Procedures Manual. Any questions regarding the IRB may be directed to the chair, Dr. Francesca Durand, at [email protected] or 518-292-1835, or any other board member.