Human Subjects

• Definition of a Human Subject according to the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) (abridged)
• Definition of Research according to the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) (abridged)
• Video Presentation: discussion of when an activity is or is not considered ‘research’, and who is or is not a ‘human subject’ (Health & Human Services Office of Human Research Protections)

The PEERRS Human Subjects Module is required training for any researchers who conduct human subjects research. Please note that training must be re-certified periodically. Check the status of your PEERRS training using the PEERRS Certifications Lookup database (must use authenticated UMICH log in).

• In order to obtain payment for research subjects, your IRB application must indicate your intent to compensate project participants
• Request for subject payments must go through the Human Subjects Incentives Program (HSIP) process; the Post-Award Services team will assist you with this (submit your request)
• Several options for paying subjects are available, including cash, check, or gift card. Funding for subject payments should be disbursed within 30 days of the request
• You will be need to submit documentation of payments made to your project participants--depending on several factors, the form and content of documentation will vary; your Post-Award administrator will provide you with the necessary information

• Most UM-Dearborn projects will fall under the definition of a “cooperative study.”
• Definitions:
  • Cooperative studies involve investigators from two or more institutions who work together to conduct a research project.  Participants are NOT normally enrolled at each site; instead, one institution conducts the research interaction with participants and the other investigators/sites may be involved in assisting with the data collection or analysis, or other elements of the research.
  • Multi-site studies involve investigators from two or more institutions who work independently to conduct a larger research project, with each investigator conducting the same research procedures at different sites, each site being under the direction of a local participating investigator and each site enrolling and interacting with a different set of participants.
• U-M guidance
• Single IRB Process for collaborative projects

For questions regarding IRB application requirements (e.g., policy, procedure, science), contact IRB Health Sciences and Behavioral Sciences
Phone: 734-936-0933  Fax: 734-936-1852  [email protected]