How to Request an IRB Exemption

There is no specific form for applying for an IRB exemption. To apply for an exemption, address a letter to the IRB chair with the following information:

• Provide the name and contact information (e.g., e-mail, telephone, address) of the principal investigator or member of the WPI community who is responsible for the activity.
• A brief description of your activity (including the scope of the activity), with an emphasis on interaction and intervention with subjects.
• Cite which one (or more) of the six federally-recognized exemptions (see 45 CFR 46) applies to your activity, and why the exemption(s) apply.

NOTE: If the IRB does not agree that your activity is exempt from IRB supervision, then you will be asked to submit an expedited or full IRB application.