What type of research typically does not require IRB review?

Research involving publicly available data or uninterventioned studies typically does not require Institutional Review Board (IRB) review because it often falls outside the scope of what is considered human subjects research. Human subjects research is defined as any research involving a living individual about whom an investigator obtains data through intervention or interaction with the individual, or identifies the individual from identifiable private information.

When studies use publicly available data, the information may already be in the public domain, meaning there are no privacy risks to individuals that the IRB is designed to protect. Similarly, uninterventioned studies usually do not involve interactions with participants that would necessitate oversight. In such cases, ethical considerations are typically managed because the research does not pose risks to personal privacy or the welfare of participants.

Other types of research, such as those collecting sensitive personal information or involving interviews, generally do require IRB review due to the potential risks involved with participant confidentiality and consent. Research funded by government agencies may also be subject to IRB oversight, as funding sources often have their own regulations and compliance requirements regarding human subjects.