Human Subjects Research
Conducting research with human participants is of utmost importance for advancing scientific knowledge in the biomedical and social behavioral sciences. The ethical and responsible conduct of this type of research plays a vital role in building public trust in science and demonstrating excellence in research. Of equal importance is the ethical review of human subjects research to safeguard the rights and well-being of participants and ensure the integrity of the research being conducted.
The University of Texas or its agents (faculty, staff and/or students) are considered engaged in human subjects research when they are the primary awardee of federal funds to conduct human research and/or when researchers are engaged in the conduct of human subject research such as consenting subjects, collecting data, or analyzing identifiable data.
UT Austin Human Research Protection Program
The University of Texas at Austin Human Research Protection Program (HRPP) is composed of institutional leaders, research review committees, and agents of UT Austin that are responsible for protecting the rights and welfare of participants in research conducted or reviewed by UT Austin, including research conducted at Dell Medical School. The mission of the HRPP is to support the University’s research enterprise by ensuring the protection of individuals who participate in research; ensuring compliance with all pertinent federal and state laws and regulations as well as institutional policy; fostering the ethical conduct of human subjects research; and providing education and other support services related to regulatory requirements and best practices to the UT Austin research community. The UT HRPP has been accredited by the Association for Accreditation of Human Research Protection Programs (AAHRPP) since 2006 – strong evidence of our commitment to protecting research participants.
The central HRPP components operating within the Office of Research Support and Compliance include:
- Institutional Review Board (IRB)
- Single IRB (sIRB) Reliance
- FDA Regulatory Support and Compliance
- Education and Outreach
Questions?
To discuss concerns with someone other than the study researcher(s), research participants may contact the IRB by phone at 512-232-1543 or at irb@austin.utexas.edu.
Resources
HRPP Listserv Sign Up
Human Research Navigation Tool
Media Inquiries
For media inquiries, please email researchcomms@austin.utexas.edu.
Alerts and Guideline Updates
New IRB Guidance Now Available
New to the IRB? Explore our IRB Orientation Guidance—a helpful introduction designed for students and new researchers. We’ve also added a quick, at-a-glance overview of the Human Research Navigation Tool to support your work. Visit our Education & Guidance webpage to access these resources and more.
Updated IRB Fees Effective Now
The UT IRB has launched a new (and simplified) IRB fee structure effective February 1, 2026, for industry‑sponsored clinical trials and federally funded, multi‑site research where UT IRB is designated as reviewing IRB for participating sites. The new model streamlines fees into two categories—initial submission and annual maintenance—to make budgeting clearer and more predictable. Limited exceptions may apply upon request. Review the IRB Dates, Deadlines & Fees webpage for more information.