What is an IRB?
An Institutional Review Board (IRB) is a committee established to review and approve research involving human subjects. The purpose of the IRB is to ensure that all human subject research be conducted in accordance with federal, institutional and ethical guidelines. Every institution engaged in human subject’s research conducted or supported by a Federal department or agency is required to designate an IRB to review and approve any research involving human subjects.
What is a Human Subject?
A human subject is defined by Federal Regulations as “a living individual about whom an investigator conducting research obtains (1) data through intervention or interaction with the individual, or (2) identifiable private information” (45 CFR 46.102(f)).
http://www.hhs.gov/ohrp/humansubjects/guidance/45cfr46.html#46.116
http://www.nih.gov/