The Research Review Committee (RRC) helps investigators strengthen the scientific quality of their proposals before they undergo ethical review by the IRB. Led by Glenn Wylie, DPhil (chair) and Peter Barrance, PhD (assistant chair), the RRC evaluates studies that have not received external scientific review. These include internally funded pilot projects, research supported by philanthropic organizations without peer review processes, and unfunded studies by trainees or experienced investigators.

When evaluating proposals, the RRC focuses on three key questions:

• Are the aims of the research project clearly stated?
• Will the proposed data collection methods allow the aims to be achieved?
• Are the proposed analyses appropriate for the stated aims?

Investigators are encouraged to allow 2 to 3 months for the RRC and IRB approval process. 

• The actual length of time for process completion depends on several factors including:
  • The type of RRC and/or IRB review required (described below)
  • The nature and extent of changes required
  • The timeliness of investigator responses to the RRC and/or IRB
     

1. Investigators prepare and submit materials to the IRB.

• See IRB instructions for initial submission forms for a list of materials to be submitted
• Investigators are required to use the Research Protocol Outline for studies undergoing RRC review. This format helps investigators ensure that they have provided the information needed for scientific and ethical evaluation of the study and helps reviewers find needed information efficiently
• Applications are submitted on a rolling basis

2. The IRB staff forwards application materials to the RRC for one of two types of review, depending on the experience of the Principal Investigator(s). 

• Proposals submitted by less experienced investigators (trainees, postdocs, residents, and associate research scientists) will receive a full-committee RRC review. The proposal will be reviewed by two primary committee members and voted on by the entire committee at a monthly meeting.
• Proposals submitted by more experienced investigators will be reviewed by the RRC Chair or a designee via email to determine if the proposals should proceed to IRB review

3. The decision of the RRC, including any requested changes, is provided via email to the investigators in a memo. 

• This memo will also advise the applicants if the revised protocol requires full-committee or chair review

4. Once the requested changes are satisfactorily addressed, the project is approved by the RRC and proceeds to IRB review. 

• For minimal-risk projects, this review takes place on a rolling basis
• For greater-than-minimal-risk projects or those involving sensitive information, full board IRB review will be required

Please direct questions about RRC review to the RRC Coordinator.