Link to the Research Application Form (IRB application)

Informed Consent is an integral part of academic research. Human subjects have a right to know which research they will be participating in, what they will do or will be done to them, the time commitment, whether they will get a reward for participation or may incur a cost, etc. They also have to agree (consent) to participate. Giving consent is not the same as giving informed consent. Adults can agree/consent for themselves, but minors can not. For minors, parents or legal guardians have to provide consent and the minor participants have to "assent" to participation. Finally, the difference between anonymous studies and confidential studies will determine if a participant's signature on a consent form is required. Confidentiality means that you know the identity of the person who submits answers but promise not to reveal the identity; anonymity means that you do not know the identity of the person who submits answers and promise not to try to find out.

For your convenience, we have developed sample informed consent/assemt forms for different populations.

Link to the Standard Model Consent Form (studies including only adults, not anonymous)

Link to the Standard Model Consent Form (studies including minors of high school age, not anonymous) *

Link to the Standard Model Consent Form (studies including minors in elementary school or kindergarten, not anonymous) *

Link to the Standard Model Consent Form (studies including only adults, anonymous) *

Link to the Standard Model Consent Form (studies including minors of high school age, anonymous) *

Link to the Standard Model Consent Form (studies including minors in elementary school or kindergarten, anonymous) *

* We prefer separate informed consent forms where parents give permission for their child to participate, and assent forms or scripts for the children where they agree to participate. The language between parents and children is different, and moreover, it avoids situations where children might feel pressured to participate because their parent "signed the paper".

These examples are for your convenience. You are free to use your own version of the informed consent, as long as it adequately covers the following elements:

• Principal Investigator(s) and Co-Investigator(s)
• Purpose of the Study
• Procedures to be Followed
• Discomforts and Risks
• Benefits
• Costs or Compensation
• Duration
• Statement of Confidentiality
• Right to Ask Questions
• Voluntary Participation and Right to Withdraw
• a statement that the participant has reviewed the information and agrees to participate

If you are involved in stem cell research, please complete the following form and send it in to the address at the bottom of the form within 30 days of starting the research.