The Institutional Review Board (IRB) for the Protection of Research Participants at St. George’s University comprises a diverse, multidisciplinary membership that includes scientists, physicians, other health care professionals, attorneys, clergy, and members of the Grenada community. This broad representation ensures independence, cultural sensitivity, and balanced ethical review across all areas of human subject research.
The mission of the IRB is to ensure that all human research proposed under the auspices of St. George’s University, or referred to the IRB for review, is conducted according to the highest ethical standards. The Board is committed to safeguarding the rights, safety, dignity, and well‑being of all research participants, while supporting high‑quality, responsible scientific inquiry.
Guided by internationally recognized ethical frameworks and 2026 regulatory standards, including the Belmont Report, the Declaration of Helsinki, and applicable provisions of the U.S. Federal Policy for the Protection of Human Subjects (45 CFR 46), the IRB conducts thorough, timely, and proportionate review of research protocols. Particular attention is given to informed consent, privacy and data protection, equitable participant selection, community engagement, and the ethical conduct of research involving vulnerable populations.
The IRB’s vision is to ensure that investigators receive clear guidance, constructive review, and ongoing oversight, while research participants are assured that all studies are conducted in a compassionate, ethical, transparent, and accountable manner. In addition to protocol review, the IRB actively supports the education of investigators and research staff in ethical research principles, emerging methodologies, digital and data‑driven research practices, and culturally responsive engagement.