For Participants
When Should I Report an Incident?
If you want to talk to someone not connected with the study, contact the IRB Office at irb@utsa.edu.
Participant Rights
The UTSA Institutional Review Board (IRB) is charged with protecting the rights, well-being and welfare of participants taking part in Human Subjects Research studies conducted by UTSA students, faculty and staff.
The IRB reviews and provides oversight over Human Subjects Research to ensure it is conducted ethically and complies with applicable federal regulations. Research studies cannot be started until they are approved by the IRB. The IRB continues to provide oversight over the life of a research study.
What are your rights as a Research Participant?
As a research participant, you have the right to:
- Be treated with respect, including respect for your decision to participate in the research or not
- Have the research fully explained to you
- End your participation in the research study at any time
- Be given ample time to ask questions and to be given contact information for the research team in case you have more questions later
If you have additional questions about your rights as a research participant, you may contact the IRB Office at irb@utsa.edu.
Informed Consent
Before you begin your participation in a research study, the Principal Investigator (PI) will ask you to provide informed consent. Informed consent is a process and not just a form. The PI should review the consent form with you and explain:
- The purpose of the research
- What activities you will be asked to perform
- Potential risks
- Potential benefits
- How the PI plans to use and protect any private information you provide
- Whether there will be any costs to you
- How long the study will last
- Whether there is any compensation
- What will happen if you choose to leave the study early
Ethical Guidance and Regulations
Click on the button below to be redirected to the relevant resources from U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
About Research Participation
What you need to know before you decide
You can get information about a research study, ask questions, share concerns or discuss problems. If you don’t want researchers to know about your concerns, the IRB will do their best to keep it secret.
General Resources
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
The Office for Human Research Protections within the Department of Health and Human Services (OHRP) has developed and compiled these resources to help you make the best decisions for you and your loved ones. They answer some common questions and suggest other questions you may want to ask if you are considering participating in research.
- About Research Participation
- Videos for Human Research Participants
- Becoming a Research Volunteer: It’s your decision (English Version)
- Becoming a Research Volunteer: It’s your decision (Spanish Version)
- Questions to Ask Before Participating in a Research Study
Association for the Accreditation of Human Research Protection Programs (AAHRPP)
National Cancer Institute Clinical Trials
Explore the basics of clinical trials, including what they are, how they work, and what to expect. Learning all you can about clinical trials can help you talk with your doctor and decide what is right for you.