Research Subjects Protections & Compliance

The Office of Sponsored Programs and Research assists Towson University researchers in complying with federal regulations regarding human subjects, animal subjects, biological safety and international research.

Human Subjects Research

The Institutional Review Board (IRB) oversees human subjects research. The IRB is responsible for reviewing research involving human subjects to ensure compliance with all governmental regulations with the use of human subjects. Please refer to the IRB's pages for specific information regarding review requirements and timelines. 

Animal Subjects Research

The University's Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) oversees compliance with all regulations and ethical principles governing the use of animals in research. Research cannot begin until IACUC approval has been issued. Please allow for up to 6 weeks for review of IACUC applications.

Institutional Biosafety

The Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) was established to protect laboratory personnel, students, staff, faculty and the environment from biohazardous substances, as well as to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations.

Export Compliance

Export controls are U.S. laws that regulate the distribution to foreign nationals, foreign entities and foreign countries of strategically important technology, services, and information for reasons of foreign policy and national security.