177 Empowering Undergraduate Institutional Review Board Navigation: A Peer Mentorship Approach

Faculty Mentor: Annie Isabel Fukushima (Undergraduate Studies, University of Utah)

Navigating the Institutional Review Board (IRB) process presents a formidable challenge for undergraduate students, from the initial hurdle of deciphering complex IRB websites, to understanding the training and on-boarding requirements for clinical research, to the intricate task of completing IRB applications. Current resources, predominantly tailored for faculty and graduate researchers, fail to bridge the knowledge and accessibility gap for undergraduates. In response to this issue, the University of Utah Office of Undergraduate Research established the IRB Lab, aiming to equip undergraduate researchers with the necessary tools to navigate the IRB process effectively.

The IRB Lab operates as a peer mentorship resource, introducing a unique method to simplify IRB procedures for undergraduates through the power of shared experiences and approachable guidance. This mentorship approach not only fosters a deeper understanding of research ethics and compliance among undergraduate researchers but also promotes a wider cultural shift towards more inclusive research ethics education.

After a year of implementing this pilot program, an analysis of IRB Lab participants has revealed a prevalent confusion among students regarding the necessity of IRB applications for their projects. Interestingly, the complexity of filling out the applications itself is often a secondary concern, overshadowed by uncertainties about whether the application is required in the first place. This insight underscores the critical need for clear, accessible guidance tailored specifically to undergraduates, highlighting the IRB Lab’s essential role in demystifying the IRB process and empowering undergraduate students to confidently engage in ethical research practices.