Human Subjects Research

When Research Involves Human Subjects:
If you are doing research with living humans for the summer and/or for your senior research project, you must have that research approved by either the Departmental Research Committee (DRC) or the Institutional Research Board (IRB). Consult with your advisor as to which is more appropriate.

May 3, 2023, noon: Due date for Summer Research DRC application for review. CITI completion certificate due with your application
May 19, 2023, noon: Deadline for submitting Summer Research revised DRC application
September 11, 2023, noon: Due date for submitting DRC application for review. CITI completion certificate due with your application
October 9, 2023, noon: Deadline for submitting revised DRC application

Swarthmore College's Office of Institutional Effectiveness, Research & Assessment provides important information and guidelines for best research practices. Please refer to the website at the Office of Institutional Effectiveness, Research & Assessment.

Below are links to the IRB's guidelines and application and the DRC's guidelines and application.

Crucial Advice for Filling Out Application
Departmental human subjects review application
College human subjects review application
Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI)
Example - Successful DRC Proposal