Susie Hoffman University of Virginia Acting as an Agent of an Institution

Definition Agent- all individuals (including students) performing institutionally designated activities or exercising institutionally delegated authority or responsibility.

Think of this as: A person is doing research that is being done on behalf of the institution.

Remember: If a person is doing research, but it is not being done on behalf of the institution, they are NOT acting as an Agent of the institution

First Example A faculty member of your institution is working with a colleague on the colleagues research project at an outside institution. Your faculty member was not involved in the design of the research project. The work of your faculty member will be overseen by the PI and the IRB of the outside institution. No funding for the study will come through your institution. All subjects will be enrolled at an outside institution. The research is not required as part of a degree program.

Second Example: A graduate student at your institution is doing their research at another institution as part of their degree requirements. The student is also an employee of the outside institution where the research will be done. All of the subjects will be enrolled at the outside institution. The students research will be overseen by the IRB of the outside institution. A copy of the IRB approval has been submitted to you. No funding for the project will come through your institution.

Implications? If the person is not working as an agent of your institution, your IRB is not responsible for review. May want to provide documentation of this decision.

Questions?