Scientific Review

Table of Contents

• Scientific Review Requirement
• When Scientific Review Is Required
• How It Works
• Do I Need Scientific Review? (Exceptions)
• What Is Reviewed
• How Review Is Documented

Scientific Review Requirement (Department/College Level)

Prior to IRB review, certain studies must undergo scientific review within the investigator’s academic unit. This review is conducted by the department or college—not the IRB—and is intended to confirm that the study is methodologically sound and feasible before compliance review begins. Designated chairs, co-chairs, and college associate deans for research determine who conducts these reviews.

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When Scientific Review Is Required

Scientific review is required for:

• Expedited studies
• Full board studies

This review must be completed in the OneAegis system before the IRB will begin its review.

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How It Works

• Scientific review is completed inside the OneAegis system.
• Someone in your department (e.g., chair, research committee, or designee) will review your study.

• The reviewer must:

  • Have relevant expertise
  • Be independent of your study team
  • Have no conflicts of interest

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Do I Need Scientific Review? (Exceptions)

You likely do NOT need additional scientific review if your study is:

• Exempt
• Already peer-reviewed by a federal agency (e.g., NIH, NSF, DOD)
• Already peer-reviewed by a national foundation
• Archival research with no direct interaction with people
• (Note: Online surveys count as direct data collection)
• A thesis or dissertation already approved by your academic committee
• (Be sure to upload proof of approval in OneAegis)

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What Is Reviewed

• The clarity and significance of the research question and aims
• The appropriateness of the study design and methods
• The feasibility of the study, including resources and implementation

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How Review Is Documented

• Scientific review is completed and documented within OneAegis
• No separate forms or checklists should be uploaded
• The reviewer(s) must be identified in the system

Scientific Review Checklist

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