Board Membership
WSIRB actively seeks Board members and consultants. The importance of representation in IRB membership is a central foundation of the federal research regulations.
More representation is encouraged from:
- Foster parents
- Employees from Local Health Jurisdictions (e.g., Tacoma Pierce County Health Department)
- Tribal Epidemiology Centers (TEC)
- American Indian Health Commission (AHIC)
- Community organizations
- Addiction recovery and advocacy groups
- Members of Non-profits working with groups of interest
- Formerly incarcerated individuals
- Local Colleges and Community Colleges
To promote respect for its advice and counsel in safeguarding the rights and welfare of human subjects IRBs shall:
- have at least five members, with varying backgrounds to promote complete and adequate review of research activities commonly conducted by the institution
- be sufficiently qualified through the experience and expertise of its members (professional competence), and
- have diverse membership, including race, gender, and cultural backgrounds and sensitivity to such issues as community attitudes.
The federal guidelines, however, have always been intended as a starting point and not a limitation on the diversity of membership. WSIRB is always seeking new members and subject matter experts.
Member Responsibilities
Members of the WSIRB are expected to contribute time necessary to complete Board business. The Review Board meets up to twelve times per year on the third Thursday of the month, and the meetings generally last two to three hours.
All Board members are expected to read all materials on the agenda that require full committee review and prepare to participate in the discussion.
Members should expect to spend approximately three to six hours per month reviewing materials prior to each meeting. Board Members are responsible for the thorough and careful consideration of all aspects of a study with regard to the protection of human subjects.
Subject matter experts Subject matter experts (SME) or consultants are individuals with relevant research, employment, cultural, or lived experience who wish to contribute to the ethical review of research but do not undergo the training or take on the time commitment to become a full Board Member.
The SME may be asked to represent their cultures, communities, organizations, or individual experiences and provide guidance to WSIRB staff about their area of expertise. The responsibilities of a subject matter expert are willingness and availability to answer emails, phone calls, or – rarely – the ability to attend short meetings in order to answer WSIRB staff questions or discuss specific issues relevant to the consultant’s area of expertise. This will be on a case-by-case basis and have no formal time requirement.
If you are interested in learning more about joining the WSIRB, please feel free to contact us at wsirb@dshs.wa.gov. Prior experience with IRBs or in research is not required. WSIRB offers training in all applicable regulatory requirements, IRB policies, and meeting protocol, and regularly offers further education to all Board members.