institutional review board

Office of Research

Li Morrow, Research Compliance Specialist, is key contact and staff support for UM-Flint human subjects applications at IRB-HSBS in Ann Arbor. Most approvals of exempt or not-regulated studies are made by the compliance staff at HSBS, and applications which require full board review are discussed the IRB-HSBS every two weeks. Two UM-Flint faculty members, Kazuko Hiramatsu, Vice-Chair of IRB-HSBS, and Babara Kuperschmid, serve as the Flint faculty representatives on IRB-HSBS, one each on the two panels (Maize and Blue) which discuss applications that require full board review. 

To begin an application, please contact Li at [email protected] or begin the IRB application in the eResearch system.

Additional information on the IRB approval process can be found on the U-M IRB Health Sciences and Behavioral Sciences homepage.

Research During COVID-19

If you are planning any face-to-face research, you will need to complete the Re-engagement Form to acquire approval separate from IRB approval.  For more information, visit the U-M Re-engagement site.

Expedited and Exempt Review Determination

There is no official deadline for submitting materials for expedited or exempt review; applications are reviewed on a rolling basis as materials are received. Decisions are usually issued 2 to 4 weeks after submitting all required materials. Please contact IRB-HSBS staff if your application is time-sensitive.

Full Board Review

If your research involves greater risks to the participants, such as any of the following, your application may require review by the convened (full) board:

1. Children, prisoners, pregnant women, impaired adults
2. Illegal activities such as drug use
3. Private activities such as sexual behavior
4. FDA approved drugs and devices presenting more than minimal risk
5. Non-FDA approved drugs and devices
6. Deception

Contact the IRB

Health Sciences and Behavioral Sciences Institutional Review Board (IRB-HSBS)
University of Michigan
North Campus Research Complex
1600 Huron Parkway, Building 520, Room 1170
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2800
734-615-9466

Kazuko Hiramatsu
Vice-Chair, IRB-HSBS
Associate Professor, English
810-762-3285
[email protected]

Li Morrow
IRB-HSBS Staff Contact for UM-Flint Applications
Assistant Full Board Administrator
734-764-9928
[email protected]

Ken Sylvester
Primary UM-Flint Liaison to U-M HRPP (Human Research Protection Program)
Director, Office of Research
810-766-6842
[email protected]

HSBS Board Members from UM-Flint

• Kazuko Hiramatsu, Associate Professor, English, Vice-Chair, IRB-HSBS, Blue Panel  
• Barbara Kupferschmid, Associate Professor, Nursing, UM-Flint member, IRB-HSBS, Maize Panel
• Cathy Larson, Associate Professor, Physical Therapy, UM-Flint Consultant to IRB-HSBS, Maize and Blue Panels
• Li Morrow, IRB Staff, Primary contact for UM-Flint