Policy

This section describes guidelines for using sensitive materials in your research, including (but not limited to) human and animal subjects, hazardous materials, confidential or classified information, intellectual property, and conducting research that benefits or is sponsored by a commercial entity.

Use of Human Subjects, Live Vertebrates, Radioisotopes, Hazardous Materials, or Recombinant DNA 

If in their research students will be using in any manner human subjects, live vertebrates, radioisotopes, or recombinant DNA, they must have the approval of the appropriate all University committee: the Institutional Review Board for Human Subjects (IRB), the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), the Radiation Safety Committee, or the Institutional Biosafety Committee.

For proposals involving human subjects, proponents must submit an application for approval in accordance with the Guidelines for the Use of Human Subjects in Research, available from the Office for Research and Innovation ("ORI"). The approval process requires 4-6 weeks and requires completion of a mandated training in human research ethics.

For proposals involving the use of live vertebrate organisms, the investigator must submit a current version of the Application to Use Live Vertebrate Animals in Research and/or Teaching  to the ORI.

For proposals involving the use of radioactive isotopes or hazardous materials (according to biosafety regulations), contact the chair of the appropriate committee, either the Radiation Safety Committee or the Institutional Biosafety Committee, for approval process procedures. A list of current committee chairs is available on the ORI website.

Students with additional questions about obtaining approval for their project should contact the ORI, 102 Roudebush Hall (513-529-3600) or visit their website.

Details on the policies and procedures for research in these areas can be found in the “Research” section.

Research Involving Intellectual Property, Inventions, Patents, or Copyright 

Miami University has developed a specific policy for faculty, staff and students who create intellectual property as part of their research or work at Miami University. See the following policies: “Faculty and Staff Participation in Companies Commercializing University Research” and “Intellectual Property”.

Related Form(s)

Not Applicable.

Additional Resources and Procedures

Websites

• Office for Research and Innovation (ORI)
• Application to Use Live Vertebrate Animals in Research and/or Teaching 

FAQ

Not Applicable.

Policy Administration

Next Review Date

7/1/2023

Responsible Officer

Legal Authority

Not Applicable.

Compliance Policy

No

Revision History

Reference ID

Graduate Handbook 4.7

Reviewing Bodies

• Administrative
• University Senate