Scientific Review
Scientific reviews are done to assess the scientific merit, available resources, and feasibility of proposed new human research studies. Studies that are classified as Expedited or Full Board, will require a scientific review.
Exceptions
Some studies may not require a scientific review; these exceptions include if:
- The study was already reviewed by a federal funding-agency (e.g. NIH, NSF)
- The study was reviewed by a national foundation
- The research does not involve human subject interaction (e.g. existing records review--note: online surveys are considered direct data collection)
- The study qualifies as Exempt
- It’s a student thesis or dissertation that has already been approved by their academic committee (evidence of the approval must be attached in OneAegis-- see page 19 for more information)
Requirements for Scientific Reviewers
Each department has its own scientific review committee (SRC). They also have their own mechanism for conducting scientific reviews. Your submissions may be reviewed by one or multiple reviewers.
Several requirements apply for individuals selected as scientific reviewers. Scientific reviewers must:
- not have a conflict of interest (financial or nonfinancial)
- be independent of the proposed study (i.e., not a member of the study team) use the scientific review form created by the review committee
Initiating a Scientific Review
For studies that do not meet the exempt categories, you will be prompted to answer the following question in the General Information section:
When scientific review is required, select Departmental scientific review.
This will prompt you to add the members of the Scientific Review Committee. Scientific Review Committees are organized by department.
Each department develops its own mechanism to conduct scientific reviews. Please work with your department to identify the individual(s) responsible for the review process.
Click on Add scientific reviewer.
A Contact screen will open for you to input the name(s) of the SRC reviewer(s).
Once you have submitted your application, you can check the status of your SRC review on your dashboard. If it is listed as SRC Review, this means that your scientific review committee is currently reviewing your submission.
Completing a Scientific Review
If you are designated as a scientific reviewer, you will be sent an email with a link to complete the review in One Aegis. You will need to login to One Aegis to access the application.
Additionally, you can navigate to your dashboard and locate the study for review.
The following question will appear first, to confirm your qualifications as a reviewer:
The next series of questions will ask you about the scientific merit of the study:
