Research - Three I's

Hello, I’m Mary Gower, and today I’m joined by Jonathan Stecyk, Emily Reiter and Erica Hill to talk about something that affects more of us than you might think: the Three I’s.  

The Three I’s are three key research committees at the University of Alaska. Whether or not you’re a researcher, you’ll want to know about these committees because they help protect human safety, animal welfare, research integrity, and even the university’s funding.

00:27

At UA, these committees are:

• IRB – Institutional Review Board that reviews research involving human subjects.
• IBC – Institutional Biosafety Committee that monitors research involving biohazards, recombinant DNA, and biological risks.
• IACUC – Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee that oversees research involving live vertebrate animals.

If you conduct research in observation, teaching, or experimentation, chances are you’ll need to interact with one—or more—of these committees. Noncompliance with these committees can impact all of us, including funding restrictions, reputation damage, or legal liability for the university. 

While UA has several research-related committees, this discussion focuses on the three I’s—IRB, IACUC, and IBC. Other important research integrity topics will be covered in future conversations.

01:23 

Let’s start with the IRB. Erica, what’s something people might not realize about when they need IRB approval? The IRB is a key part of protecting human participants in research across the UA system.

One of the biggest misconceptions is that "small" studies—like surveys or interviews—don’t require IRB review. People often assume, "It’s just a quick survey for a student project," or "I’m not collecting anything sensitive, so I don’t need approval." In reality, if you’re gathering information or biosamples from people or if you conduct interviews  for research purposes, you must check with the IRB first.

UAA and UAF each have an IRB, and UAS researchers participate through UAF’s IRB. If you skip this step and it turns out you should have had IRB approval, you may be unable to publish your research findings, face loss of funding, or risk allegations of misconduct.

Here’s an example: Even a simple student-led survey on workplace stress may need IRB review, especially if it involves identifiable data. The IRB is here to help protect both researchers and participants—those extra steps keep us all safe.

02:37

Now, let’s talk about research involving animals. Jonathan, what’s something that surprises people about the IACUC process?

Many people don’t realize that the IACUC oversees and evaluates not just laboratory “research” experiments, but also field and teaching activities involving live vertebrate animals. If you’re conducting a wildlife observational study or teaching a course that involves animals, you need IACUC approval. Using preserved specimens in a classroom setting might even require IACUC approval.

For example, a researcher observing moose populations in the wild might think they don’t need IACUC review and approval since they aren’t directly interacting with the animals, but since there is potential for environmental disruptions the study would fall under IACUC oversight. Similarly, a course on dog mushing would also fall under IACUC oversight due to the “use” and “care” of the animals.

Failure to comply with animal welfare regulations can result in funding loss, legal penalties, and findings of misconduct that can impact future research opportunities. It’s about ensuring ethical treatment and scientific integrity.

03:48

And finally, let’s talk about biosafety. Emily, what’s a common situation where someone might not realize IBC approval could be a helpful step in their research?

Many assume IBC is only for high-risk hazardous materials or genetic engineering, but it also applies to things like teaching labs, soil or water samples, and even working with certain plants and bacteria.

As an example: A biology professor using a non-pathogenic strain of bacteria in class might assume it doesn’t require approval. But if there’s any chance of genetic modification or risk to students, IBC needs to review it.

The IBC is crucial for ensuring lab and environmental safety, preventing exposure risks, and meeting federal compliance standards. Noncompliance can lead to hefty fines, funding restrictions, and even lab shutdowns.

04:46

At the end of the day, compliance with these committees isn’t just about avoiding penalties—it’s about protecting people, animals, and research integrity.

A few key reminders:

• If your work involves human subjects, check with the IRB.
• If your work involves live animals, consult IACUC.
• If your work involves biohazards or genetic material, seek IBC approval.

And if you’re ever unsure, just ask. It’s always better to check in before you start rather than face consequences later.

Jonathan, Erica and Emily, thanks for walking us through this today. If you have questions, visit your campus’s research compliance office.