Skip to main content
West Virginia University Office of Human Research Protections
WVU Research Office

Get Started

STEP 1: Determine if a Protocol Submission to the WVU IRB is Needed

To determine if your project is considered research (under the federal definition of research), or to determine if a protocol submission is recommended for your "not human subjects" project, click on the link below to access a decision tool. At the end of the form, you will be informed of whether your project is considered research and next steps.  Information regarding activities and projects that are NOT considered research and NOT Human Subjects research can be found here.


Is this project considered research?

STEP 2: Determine the Protocol Type for the Project

If your project is considered research or a protocol submission is recommended, click on the link below to access the decision tool for determining the protocol type. This information will assist you in understanding the information needed for your protocol submission.


What protocol type is this project considered?


STEP 3: Complete the Required Training


Review the Training Information

STEP 4: Complete a WVU Data Protection Certificate Request Form

Click on the link below to access the University's Data Protection request form. Depending on your answers and the assessed risk of the data, you will be emailed a Data Protection Certificate that will include the approved storage plan, and information related to notifications sent to other departments.  The form is required for all Initial and New Protocols.



STEP 5: Submit a Protocol Application to the WVU IRB

Before submitting the protocol application, review the requirements for the protocol type and the protocol submission prep checklist.



Create the protocol application and submit to the WVU IRB. Access to the WVU+kc electronic protocol submission system is automatic for students and all employees. There is no need to request access.


NOTE: Human Subjects Research CANNOT begin until the protocol submission is approved and all other approvals are received (data agreements, software licenses, export control approvals, participant payment method approvals).

STEP 6: Conduct the Research

Amendments, renewals, and event reporting may be required throughout the project for some protocol types.


STEP 7: Close the Research Project

At the conclusion of the project (all projects), complete the closure process and dispose of data as required by agreement and institutional policy.

Closure Process