Student Research Projects
Overview
Stanford University provides opportunities for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students to conduct research projects involving human participants. By leading these projects, students develop an understanding of research methodology and learn how to apply ethical principles for human subjects research.
This guidance will help students determine when their research project involving human participants needs IRB review.
What are the types of Student Research Projects?
Student research projects involving human participants typically fall under one of two categories:
- Research Practica (Class Projects): Intended to teach research methods and provide students opportunities to practice techniques and processes such as interview, observation, survey procedures, data analysis, and report writing.
- Directed or Independent Research Projects: Research projects conducted by students, including independent undergraduate research projects, honors theses, masters’ theses, and dissertations, that meet the regulatory definition of human subjects research and do not fall under the category of research practicum.
What is Human Subjects Research?
Federal regulations, known as the Common Rule, define human subjects research as a systematic investigation designed to contribute to generalizable knowledge that involves interactions or interventions with living individuals or the collection of identifiable private information. IRB review is required when student research projects meet this definition of human subjects research.
| Regulatory Terminology | Definition |
|---|---|
| Systematic Investigation | There is a predetermined plan, method, or system to answer a specific question, test a hypothesis, or develop a theory and permit conclusions to be drawn. |
| Generalizable Knowledge | New information generated that can be applied or has relevance to populations or programs different from the ones from which it was collected. This includes student research projects where there is an intent to publish, present or otherwise disseminate the outcomes of the research. |
When Does Research Practica Require IRB Review?
The nature and intent of the project must be considered. Research practica are usually not intended to create new knowledge or share information outside of the class. Rather, the primary intent of the project is to teach research methodology for skill development with findings shared only within the class.
The following tables show scenarios when IRB review is required for student projects.
- Projects that involve interacting with human participants (ex. surveys, interviews, or focus groups):
| Project Intent | Is IRB Review Required? |
|---|---|
| To present results only within a class or other group within the department | No |
| To publicly present or publish generalizeable outcomes of the research | Yes |
| Initial intent is to present only within a class, however as the project progresses, intent becomes to publish or publicly present generalizeable conclusions drawn from the research. | Yes |
- Projects that collect private identifiable data:
| Project Intent | Is IRB Review Required? |
|---|---|
| To present results only within a class or other group within the department | No |
| To publicly present or publish generalizeable outcomes of the research | Yes |
| Initial intent is to learn research methodology, however during or after completion of the project, choose to use data for a secondary purpose | Yes (When the intent is to develop generalizeable knowledge that goes beyond a class project, IRB review is required) |
When do Directed or Independent Research Projects Require IRB Review?
Directed or Independent Research Projects, including independent undergraduate research projects, honors theses, masters’ theses, and dissertations, typically require a systematic investigation be conducted and that it results in generalizable knowledge. Research projects that collect data through interaction or intervention with individuals or include use of private information will require IRB review. Students planning to include human participants in their research project should contact the IRB when designing the project to determine if IRB approval is needed.
See Do I Need IRB Review? for additional information on when IRB review is required.
What are the Academic Sponsor’s Responsibilities?
Students may assume the role of Protocol Director (PD) on their student research project, however an Academic Sponsor, must also be included. The Academic Sponsor must complete a review of scientific and scholarly validity, confirming they will provide the necessary oversight to ensure the research is conducted in accordance with Stanford University policies, federal and state regulations, and ethical principles.
| Student PD Responsibilities | Academic Sponsor Responsibilities |
|---|---|
| Design of the study | Oversee study design |
| Conduct of the study and all study-related activities ensuring compliance with the IRB approved protocol | Monitor conduct of the study |
| Conduct of self and collaborators | Ensuring student PD is well-trained and competent |
| Protection of the rights and welfare of participants, including obtaining informed consent and maintaining privacy and confidentiality of data | Providing guidance in the protection of research participants |
| Proper application and reporting to the IRB | Reviewing the protocol application prior to submission to the IRB |
| Consultation with the Academic Sponsor and identification of protocol modifications warranted by unexpected events/circumstances | Working with the student PD to identify modifications warranted by Unanticipated Problem or circumstances involving risks to participants or others. |
Are any other reviews needed?
In addition to IRB review, Ancillary Committee and Institutional Reviews may be required for certain research. This includes research targeting Stanford students or student athletes for research participation, projects seeking to use Stanford medical records, and projects involving financial and other contracts with outside organizations.
Page updated October, 2025