The IRB Community Member

Community members are essential to the IRB. They come from a variety of backgrounds and use their individual knowledge and community experiences to reflect the perspective of volunteers who may participate in research.

What is an Institutional Review Board (IRB)?

A committee that oversees research.


An Institutional Review Board (IRB) is a committee that conducts reviews of research studies that enroll people as research volunteers. Sometimes the studies are trying to see if a new drug or other medical treatment works or not. Sometimes the studies are trying to answer important questions like how people interact with each other and with their social environment. When people are offered an opportunity to enroll in a research study, the IRB's job is to:

  • Make sure people have all the information they need to decide if they want to volunteer for the study or not.
  • Review all the possible risks such as physical, social and legal risks of participating in the study
  • Make sure that any risks are as small as possible.
  • Make sure the study is answering important questions that could help improve people's health.
  • Make sure people who volunteer are treated with respect and in an ethical way
  • Make sure the study is conducted according to special rules for research studies that protect people who enroll in the study.

All research studies at Mass General Brigham must be reviewed and approved by the IRB before they invite people to volunteer.

An Institutional Review Board (IRB) protects the safety, rights, and well-being of people who choose to enroll in research studies.

Who Are the Members of the IRB?

Scientists and Community Members


IRB committee members are a diverse group of people from many backgrounds. Some members have backgrounds in science or medicine such as doctors, people that work in laboratories, pharmacists and nurses. These members are called "Scientific Members" and usually work at Mass General Brigham. Other members do not have any background in science or medicine, and do not work at Mass General Brigham. These members are called "Community Members". Community Members are a very important part of the IRB because they represent our community and people who might enroll in research studies. Community Members must be at least 18 but can be any age. There are no education requirements, and no experience is needed. The Community members work together with the Scientific Members to decide if a study should be approved to occur at Mass General Brigham.

What Are IRB Meetings Like?


  • Meetings are held remotely with all members logging in from their computers or other devices. Members can be at home or in any private area.
  • Meetings are scheduled to last about 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes.
  • An IRB Chair runs the meeting and helps guide the committee through the review of research studies listed on an agenda.
  • Typically, the agenda includes 6-8 research studies for the committee to review.
  • Scientific Members are asked to provide a short summary of each study that is on the agenda and then talk about any concerns they have. The other members of the committee including both the Scientific and Community members are then able to discuss any concerns they have.
  • Sometimes the person who is asking to do the study attends the meeting to discuss the study with the committee.

What Are the Responsibilities of the Community Member?


  • Sign up in advance to attend 1 meeting each month (or more if you prefer.) There are about 16 meetings to choose from each month and you can choose the one that works best for your schedule. You do not have to attend the same meeting each month.
  • Set aside time the week before your meeting to read the information about each research study that will be reviewed. This is usually 1-3 hours.
  • If you see any problems with a study, let the IRB Chair know before the meeting.
  • Review training and education material that will be given to you before you become a member. You will also be able to attend at least 1 meeting to observe before you join the IRB. The IRB Chairs, the staff that support the committee and even other members are available for any questions you might have before or after you join the IRB.
  • Keep all information about the research that you receive and the discussions at the meetings confidential.
  • Have access to a device like a computer, iPad, or phone and internet service that allows you to connect remotely to review study materials and participate in meetings.
  • Commit to being on the IRB for at least 2 years if possible.

Community Members receive a payment of $50 for each meeting that they attend as a small token of our appreciation for your time and dedication to supporting ethical research at Mass General Brigham.

Loading...
Top