Human Subjects Research

Conducting research with human participants is of utmost importance for advancing scientific knowledge in the biomedical and social behavioral sciences. The ethical and responsible conduct of this type of research plays a vital role in building public trust in science and demonstrating excellence in research. Of equal importance is the ethical review of human subjects research to safeguard the rights and well-being of participants and ensure the integrity of the research being conducted. 

The University of Texas or its agents (faculty, staff and/or students) are considered engaged in human subjects research when they are the primary awardee of federal funds to conduct human research and/or when researchers are engaged in the conduct of human subject research such as consenting subjects, collecting data, or analyzing identifiable data.

UT Austin Human Research Protection Program

The University of Texas at Austin Human Research Protection Program (HRPP) is composed of institutional leaders, research review committees, and agents of UT Austin that are responsible for protecting the rights and welfare of participants in research conducted or reviewed by UT Austin, including research conducted at Dell Medical School. The mission of the HRPP is to support the University’s research enterprise by ensuring the protection of individuals who participate in research; ensuring compliance with all pertinent federal and state laws and regulations as well as institutional policy; fostering the ethical conduct of human subjects research; and providing education and other support services related to regulatory requirements and best practices to the UT Austin research community. The UT HRPP has been accredited by the Association for Accreditation of Human Research Protection Programs (AAHRPP) since 2006 – strong evidence of our commitment to protecting research participants.  

The central HRPP components operating within the Office of Research Support and Compliance include:

  • Institutional Review Board (IRB)
  • Single IRB (sIRB) Reliance
  • FDA Regulatory Support and Compliance
  • Education and Outreach

Institutional Review Board (IRB)

Learn about the IRB, which reviews human research and provides professional support and guidance to the research community, as well as the review process and PI eligibility.

Single IRB Reliance

Find IRB reliance documentation, single IRB review requirement and reliance agreements.

Education & Guidance

Find regulations, policies, best practices and education opportunities relating to human subjects research.

FDA Regulatory Support Program

The UT Regulatory Support Program offers comprehensive guidance and navigation support to investigators conducting human subjects research with investigational drugs, devices, and biologics.

For Research Participants

Find resources and information for study participants.

Human Research Navigation Tool

This tool is designed to support navigation of the UT Human Research Protection Program and related entities.

Human Subjects Research FAQs

Find answers to frequently asked questions about human subjects research .

Get Help

Find virtual office hours, options for support and IRB staff directory.

UTRMS-IRB

Questions?

To discuss concerns with someone other than the study researcher(s), research participants may contact the IRB by phone at 512-232-1543 or at irb@austin.utexas.edu.

Resources


Human Research Navigation Tool

Media Inquiries

For media inquiries, please email researchcomms@austin.utexas.edu.

Alerts and Guideline Updates

Updates to IRB Fees: Coming soon!

The UT IRB is launching a new (and simplified) IRB fee structure effective February 1, 2026, for industry‑sponsored clinical trials and federally funded, multi‑site research where UT IRB is designated as reviewing IRB for participating sites. The new model streamlines fees into two categories—initial submission and annual maintenance—to make budgeting clearer and more predictable. Limited exceptions may apply upon request. Review the full details, definitions, and FAQs.

Upcoming NEW IRB Forms Workshop Series!

Based on feedback from the UT research community, the UT IRB has redesigned its core submission templates to make the application process easier, faster, and more intuitive. All new IRB study applications submitted on or after February 2nd must use these updated forms. To help you get started, the IRB is offering an in‑depth spring workshop series focused on each new submission form. Visit the Education & Guidance page to sign up for workshops or explore other events.