Getting Started

Should you submit your proposal to the IRB?

Researchers should not decide if an activity is research involving human subjects that must be reviewed by the Institutional Review Board (IRB). The Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP) provides graphic aids as a guide for IRBs, investigators, and others. Ask the Director if a submission to IRB for review is required. Do not make this decision on your own.

Register as a new user in IRBNet

Individuals may register on IRBNet via the New User Registration link in the top right-hand corner of the IRBNet home page. Select Minnesota State University, Mankato as your research institution.

Preparing Your Submission

Once registered and signed in to IRBNet, you can access templates and guides to help you start your project.

1. On the left-hand side, under “Other Tools” click on “Forms & Templates”.
2. In the dropdown menu next to “Select a Library”, choose “Minnesota State University, Mankato IRB, Mankato, MN – Documents for Researchers” from the menu.
3. The Documents for Researchers folder includes several documents that will be helpful in preparing your submission:
   • IRB Application: Required for all new projects
   • IRB Assent Template Adolescent/Child: If your participants will include minors, these templates may be helpful as a guide.
   • IRB Informed Consent Template: This template may be helpful as a guide regarding the information required during the informed consent process.
   • IRB Closure Form: Complete and submit this from when your project is complete.
   • IRB Continuation Form: Complete and submit this form to request an extension for your project.
   • IRB Revision Form: Complete and submit this form to request revisions to an approved project.
4. The IRB welcomes student proposals. However, there are a few things to remember to ensure the proposal review process goes smoothly.
   • Nothing should be submitted to the online system until your supervising faculty member indicates that the application form and all other documents are ready for review.
   • When you do submit the documents for review, you must provide the name and contact information for the faculty or staff member who is supervising your project. A faculty or staff member must be listed as the Principal Investigator (PI). Please note that it is your responsibility to notify the faculty member that you have submitted documents to IRBNet. They will need to log in to the system to sign and submit the submission as the PI.

Trainings Available Via IRBNet

Once registered and signed in on IRBNet you can access additional training resources.

1. On the left-hand side, under “Other Tools” click on “Forms & Templates”.
2. In the dropdown menu next to “Select a Library”, choose “IRBNet Training Resources (Researchers)” from the menu.
3. Next, you may access and review several documents with answers to questions regarding navigating IRBNet.