Human Research Protection Program

Researcher Guidance – COVID-19 and IRB Review

These FAQs contain information about COVID-19 as it relates to the conduct of research and IRB review operations so faculty and staff can best manage their ongoing research and scholarship activities. Please refer back to this webpage frequently for evolving guidance. Updated June 25, 2021!

What do I need to do to begin or resume in-person research activities that I paused during the pandemic? updated June 25, 2021

All new submissions after 6/1/2021 do not need to identify COVID-19 related risks or protections.

If you paused approved research during the pandemic and want to resume, no submission or notification to the IRB is required.

Follow current public health guidance, State and local ordinance and laws, and institutional policies where the research will take place.

What if my human research was reviewed by an External (not UGA) IRB? updated June 3, 2021

Contact the reviewing IRB to determine if any action is required.

Can I modify my research that was approved for in-person activities between June 1, 2020 and June 1, 2021? added June 25, 2021

Yes, if it is essential to the research.

Consider carefully if changes to the population and/or procedures follow current public health guidance, State and local ordinance and laws, and institutional policies where the research will take place.

Also consider if making changes now may impact the results (e.g., the change to conditions introduce confounders).

If you do need to make changes to the approved research, complete this Survey and attach a PDF of the results to a Comment on your project (STUDY0000XXXX or PROJECT0000XXXX). If the survey results indicate that a modification submission is needed, you will be contacted by IRB staff with additional instructions. Please allow sufficient time for review as our volume of submissions is likely to increase significantly due to these modifications.