IRB and Institutional Research Wendy A. Lawrence-Fowler 02 Mar 2004 10:30 EST

Good morning,

We have just had a question come up an our IRB is wrestling with it - the
IRB has a concern for the safety of an investigator during a study - more so
than the subjects.

To provide a little more background, the proposed study consists of
interviews with individuals who transport illegal aliens across the US -
Mexico border. While the initial interviews are with individuals currently
incarcerated, the investigator will be asking for leads to others still
working. The IRB has real concerns about the safety of the investigator and
is not sure how far their responsibility goes in evaluating a protocol.

Has anyone else had a similar experience?. Any decisions on behalf of the
university - I am also checking with our legal council ..... meanwhile your
input would be most appreciated.

Wendy

Wendy A. Lawrence-Fowler, Ph.D.
Associate Vice President for Research
University of Texas-Pan American
Edinburg, TX 78541

e-mail:  xxxxxx@panam.edu
Phone: 956-381-2889    Fax: 956-381-2863

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