We are seeking volunteers to serve on the Institutional Review Board (IRB) as unaffiliated, non-scientist members. Federal regulations require IRBs to include members who represent the perspective of the broader community and whose primary concerns are in non-scientific areas. These members play a critical role in protecting the rights and welfare of research participants by helping ensure that research is understandable, respectful, and aligned with community values. 

To qualify under regulations, individuals and their immediate family members must not be current UW employees or students, and individuals should not have a professional background in scientific, biomedical, or research-related fields. Experience in areas such as law, education, business, social services, communications, community advocacy, or other non-scientific professions is particularly valuable. 

Such volunteers will serve on one IRB panel per month and have the opportunity to contribute to the ethical oversight of human subjects research.  If someone you know is interested in serving in this role, please contact the IRB Office (IRBdirector@hsirb.wisc.edu). More information on serving as an IRB member can be found here.