Colleague Review
Protocol Reviews

Human Subjects in Research
Animals in Research
Biosafety and Biohazards
Radiation Safety

Now that you have your masterpiece all written, have it read by someone in the institution who has not been actively involved in its preparation. Your colleagues and the Office of Grants and Contract Development can provide constructive comments about whether the proposal makes sense and is understandable. Many times we become so attached to our written work that we lose objectivity and are unable to spot weaknesses. Having an impartial colleague review the proposal will be most helpful to you and improve the possibility of funding. If you are writing on a rigid timeline, OGCD can provide review of individual proposal sections as they are written.
 

PROTOCOL REVIEW

The Office of Grants and Contract Development is the campus office charged with adherence to the rules and regulations concerning safety matters relating to research. Individuals proposing research projects which contemplate the use of carcinogenic or toxic compounds, animals, human subjects, recombinant DNA, pathogens, or radioactive materials in the research should contact OGCD for further information about any of the areas listed below.
 

Human Subjects in Research

The Institutional Review Board (IRB) for the Protection of Human Subjects is charged with the responsibility for reviewing and approving all research involving the use of human beings as subjects of research activities, regardless of funding source, in accordance with the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) guidelines. The Human Subjects IRB serves to ensure that the rights and safety of human subjects involved in research are protected and that the subject agrees to participate in the project only after giving informed consent. Please note that most agencies require that the IRB review and approve protocols prior to submission of a proposal.   For additional information contact Mrs. Trula Stanley (696-7320).
 

Animals in Research

University policy requires that all projects involving the use of live animals must be reviewed by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) prior to the initiation of any research. Precautions are taken to protect the user as well as the particular animal species involved. Only properly trained personnel are allowed to handle and dispose of animals. Radioactive animals receive special handling according to federal, state, and campus guidelines on radiation safety; see the section which follows on radiation safety. The use of radioactive materials must be approved prior to submission to the IACUC. Please note that most federal agencies now require that protocols using animals be reviewed and approved by the IACUC prior to submission. The current committee chair for the IACUC is Dr. Monica Valentovic (696-7317).
 

Biosafety

Research involving biohazards, such as novel recombinant DNA, blood-borne pathogens, and carcinogens requires protocol review in compliance with NIH guidelines prior to the submission of a proposal or the start of the research. Also the Marshall University Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) governs activities related to Biological and recombinant DNA safety. Please contact the current IBC Chair Dr. Don Primerano, (304) 696-7338 or primeran@marshall.edu, for more information.
 

Radiation Safety

The University Radiation Safety Officer is responsible for ensuring the effective use of safety measures relating to radioactive materials and radiation devices, consistent with the Federal Radiation Control for Health and Safety Act of 1968 and various state regulations. This Radiation Safety Officer regulates the receipt, possession, use, transfer, or acquisition of any source of ionizing or non-ionizing radiation or radiation-producing device. Compliance is required regardless of the source of funds used to support the research. For assistance with radiation safety issues contact Will McCumbee, Radiation Safety Officer (696-7366), or the Office of Grants and Contract Development (696-4845).