The Johns Hopkins University is committed to protecting the rights and welfare of individuals participating as subjects in research. All human participant research conducted under the auspices of the University is evaluated by an Institutional Review Board (IRB) to ensure that the rights and welfare of participants are fully protected.

The Homewood Institutional Review Board (HIRB) serves the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, Whiting School of Engineering, School of Education, Carey Business School, Nitze School of Advanced International Studies, and Peabody Institute. The HIRB also serves the University’s central functions including the Provost’s Office, Academic and Cultural Centers (ACCs) reporting to the Provost, Johns Hopkins University Research Administration (JHURA), and the Sheridan Libraries. HIRB is responsible for reviewing all research projects involving human participants conducted in these divisions. This policy applies to all faculty, staff, and student research projects, whether or not a project is funded and regardless of the location at which the research will be conducted.

This site provides resources to help guide investigators through the HIRB application and review process. We also have included information on HIRB policies and procedures, HIRB membership and meeting calendar, education and training, and other resources for members, investigators, and participants.

Electronic Homewood Institutional Review Board (eHIRB) is a paperless, electronic method to submit, track, and review the scientific, regulatory, and compliance information required for the safe conduct of human subjects research at Homewood. All new applications and Further Study Actions (Continuing Reviews, Amendments, Reportable Events, and Study Closures) must be submitted through eHIRB. eHIRB users should log in using their JHED ID and password. Please see the main eHIRB page for further guidance.

Have questions and want answers? Open office hours will be weekly on Thursdays from 11am-1pm EST on Zoom. All student, faculty, and staff researchers are encouraged to meet with Homewood IRB staff. Please feel free to send questions in advance to HIRB@jhu.edu. Please click here to access the Zoom meeting. Due to the HIRB staff attending a professional conference, open office hours will be canceled on Thursday, December 7.

FWA #: FWA00005834


Who We Serve

For Members

The members of the Homewood HIRB include Johns Hopkins University faculty from various academic disciplines and a member from the community that is unaffiliated with Johns Hopkins University.

For Investigators

All investigators and research team members must complete training in the protection of human research participants prior to submission of applications for HIRB approval. CITI Program training must be taken every 5 years.

For Participants

The main purpose of the Homewood HIRB is to protect the rights and welfare of human research participants. One way HIRB protects participants is to ensure that their participation is voluntary.

News & Announcements

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Delayed response times during the week of December 4

The Homewood IRB staff will be attending a professional conference during the week of December 4th. Please expect delayed response times and limited availability. Open office hours will be canceled on Thursday, December 7. If you have questions, please reach out to hirb@jhu.edu. Normal operations will resume on Monday, December 11.

Johns Hopkins ISCRO Policy and MyLearning Module Update

Join the Johns Hopkins Institutional Stem Cell Oversight (ISCRO) administrator and Interim ISCRO Co-Chairs for a discussion of the updated Stem Cell Research Guidelines published by the International Society for Stem Cell Research in 2021 and the revisions made to JHU ISCRO policy and procedures to align with these new guidelines. An overview of the...

IRB Open Office Hours

Starting Thursday, May 11th, 2023 Homewood IRB staff will be available to answer all your questions and concerns about how and when to apply for IRB approval, how to navigate the eHIRB application system, and what to expect when an application for human subjects research is undergoing IRB review. Open office hours will be weekly...