Members of each committee come from a variety of disciplines, including at least one member whose primary concerns are nonscientific and one member who is not affiliated with the University. Each committee requires completion of a research protocol. The protocol guidelines contain explanatory information about the specific requirements needed for approval. Committee approval is required for all research involving human subjects. In accordance with federal regulations, each Human Subjects Committee has the authority to suspend or terminate approval of research that is not being conducted in accordance with the Committee's decisions, conditions, and requirements, or that has been associated with unexpected serious harm to subjects.
Interaction includes interpersonal contact, surveys, and other forms of communication.
The Health Sciences HSC reviews research protocols from faculty, students or staff employed by or with an appointment in the Medical School, School of Nursing, School of Pharmacy, Waisman Center, the Veterans Administration Medical Center, the UW Hospital and Clinics or in the State Lab of Hygiene. In addition, the HSC will review research protocols from other units of the University if medical interventions or procedures are involved, and medical expertise is required for evaluation. The CALS HSC reviews research protocols from faculty, students or staff employed by or with an appointment in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, College of Engineering, and the School of Human Ecology. This committee does not have appropriate expertise for review of medical research. The SOE HSC reviews research protocols from faculty, students or staff employed by or with an appointment in the School of Education.