Conducting research with humans is a privilege and carries with it ethical and legal responsibilities. The Principal Investigator (PI) is the individual responsible for writing an accurate protocol to utilize human subjects. Ultimately, the PI assumes the responsibility for the ethical conduct of the project and for the welfare of the human subjects. This responsibility includes the intellectual conduct of the project, fiscal accountability, administrative aspects, and the project’s adherence to relevant policies and regulations. For these reasons, the IRB has determined that PIs must have a reasonable prospect of long-term employment at Boise State University. Certain other titles are allowed to serve as PIs within the exceptions described below.
Eligible PIs include Boise State faculty with the following titles:
- Professor
- Associate Professor
- Assistant Professor
The IRB staff will confirm titles with the Boise State directory when protocol applications are submitted.
Exceptions
If you are not able to list an eligible PI as your Co-PI, you may request an IRB PI Exception which, if approved, will allow you to be listed as the sole PI on the IRB protocol application. This exception must be approved by the Vice President of Research and Economic Development as well as the Dean of your College and your Department Chair. Contact the IRB Coordinator for additional information on how to obtain the IRB PI Exception form. If the research is funded, OSP PI Eligibility Policy 5020 requirements will be applicable. Please note that institutional CITI requirements still apply.
Student Investigator Eligibility
The IRB does not permit graduate or undergraduate students to serve as principal investigators on protocol applications.
Funded Projects
If the research is funded, OSP PI Eligibility Policy 5020Â requirements will be applicable.
Non-Affiliated Investigators
If you are not affiliated with Boise State and you are seeking IRB review, the Boise State IRB may consider reviewing your research for approval, but you may be charged. See External Researchers for additional information.