Important Information Regarding The Coronavirus
As we make decisions on how to respond to the COVID-19 infections we want to begin by stating that our primary concern is the safety of our research participants and the research team members who work for Johns Hopkins University and Health System. Our secondary goal is to preserve the scientific integrity of the research protocols. For the most up-to-date information visit – Essential information for Human Subjects Research Teams Related to COVID-19

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. 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.

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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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...

NIH Data Management and Sharing

NIH now requires researchers to submit data management and sharing plans with their grant proposals, which Data Services offers expertise on. Please visit Data Services at NIH Data Management and Sharing Plan Support page or contact dataservices@jhu.edu to schedule a consultation. Please also visit this link for guidance and FAQs.

Prepare for the IRB and COI Office Closure over the Holidays

In accordance with the JHU 2022 extended university holiday closure, the Homewood IRB and COI Office will be closed from Monday, December 26, 2022 to Monday, January 2, 2023, and re-opening Tuesday, January 3, 2023. As these dates are fast approaching and so we may all celebrate the holiday season, we ask you to please be aware of...