St. George’s University’s Institutional Review Board (IRB) is registered with the Office of Human Research Protections (OHRP) in the US Department of Health and Human Services.

All applications should be submitted at least 1 month before the proposed start date of the research project.

IRB Number: IRB00010095

Parent Organization: IORG0008426  St. George’s University IRB #1
US Common Rule (45 CFR 46 subpart A, B, C and D) are used as a guideline.

IRB review and approval is a prerequisite to obtaining academic or scientific grants from most agencies, and to publication in most mainstream journals. It is also often required for presentation of research findings at conferences.

After approval by the SGU IRB, protocols that involve staff, resources or facilities at Grenada’s Ministries of Health, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, or Education are reviewed by the Research Oversight Committee (ROC). The ROC determines whether to allow clearance for the project to proceed. Its members include the Chief Medical, Veterinary, and/or Education Officer, the respective Permanent Secretary, and from SGU, the University Provost, the Director of Research, and  the IRB Chair (and/or the IACUC Chair as appropriate). Applications for ROC consideration may be obtained through the SGU Office of Research at kcoomans@sgu.edu. All research findings must be reported to SGU’s Office of Research which distributes these to those who request the information and/or to the communities, Ministries, and others involved. Annual summary reports are also due to the IRB.

Mission Statement

The St. George’s University Institutional Review Board (SGU IRB) exists to assure that all human research proposed under the auspices of SGU or referred for our review is conducted according to the highest ethical standards.

Vision Statement

It is the vision of the St. George’s University Institutional Review Board (SGU IRB) that investigators are provided with thorough and timely review of their research proposals, and that human participants in research are assured that all research is conducted in a compassionate, ethical, and accountable manner. We envision the facilitation and support of research, and the education of investigators and participants in ethical research principles.

SGU IRB Members

SGU IRB members are required to complete the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) program, https://www.citiprogram.org/aboutus.asp?language=english. Members include scientists, physicians and health professionals, attorneys, clergy, and community representatives across a range of genders, ages, and cultures. At least half are Grenadian citizens and others are long time residents of Grenada.

Executive Committee

SGU IRB has an Executive Committee comprised of its officers. The Executive Committee conducts expedited review for protocols of low or minimal risk and engages in educational and administrative activities.

IRB Reviews

Expedited Review and Exemption

Investigators may request that their protocol be exempted from review or receive expedited review. The IRB Chair determines whether such requests are granted. Exemptions are usually granted within 3-5 working days. Most protocols at SGU are eligible for Expedited Review, and investigators are informed of the outcome within 10 working days, often less. Between June and August this may take longer.

When IRB approval is not granted, the IRB Administrator or Chair provides specific guidance to investigators about necessary modifications to their protocols. These derive from reviewers’ comments. Modifications are considered by the Chair upon receipt.

Applications for review, consent form templates, SGU IRB Policy and Procedures Manual and IRB Handbook, Annual Reports, and other information may be obtained from the IRB Administrator, Mr. Kareem Coomansingh (kcoomans@sgu.edu), or telephone (473) 444-4175 ext. 3221. Some of these can be downloaded from the list provided below.

Application Review Form
Consent Form
Expedited Review Criteria
Adverse Event Form
Summary Report Form (This report is due within one year of approval)
Investigator Brief Overview
Reviewer Checklist
Informed Consent Checklist
IRB Checklist (applicants)

Contact information for the IRB:

Kareem Coomansingh, SGU IRB Administrator
St. George’s University
Grenada, West Indies
Tel: (473) 444-4175 ext. 3221
Fax: (473) 444-4388
Email: kcoomans@sgu.edu

Mailing address in the United States:

Kareem Coomansingh, SGU IRB Administrator
St. George’s University
c/o University Support Services, LLC
3500 Sunrise Highway, Building 300
Great River, NY 11739

Historical Background

SGU’s IRB has been registered with the Office of Human Research Protections in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services since 2003. Prior to this the only IRB in Grenada was based in the Windward Islands Research and Education Foundation (WINDREF) on SGU’s campus in Grenada. SGU’s then Vice Chancellor, the late Dr. Keith B. Taylor, was a strong proponent for establishing WINDREF’s IRB and served as its initial Chair. Grenada’s former Governor General, the late Sir Paul Scoon, was also a strong proponent. He served as IRB Chair for many years and remains an Executive member.

SGU IRB Annual Reports

As stipulated by SGU IRB’s policies and procedures annual reports are published each year. Archived reports may be obtained upon request from the IRB Administrator. The most recent is available in WINDREF’s Annual Report.