Washington University utilizes many independent committees to oversee or review specific issues or processes related to conducting research.  Below is a consolidated, descriptive listing along with links to additional information for each.

You may locate information on research-related offices via the Research Administration and Compliance Offices or the Full Listing: Offices & Committees sections of this site.

Animal Studies CommitteeThe Animal Studies Committee (ASC) is Washington University’s Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC).  The ASC oversees and evaluates animal care and use programs, procedures, and facilities at Washington University, including provisioning of animal care education, certification, and protocol approval.  The Animal Studies Committee (ASC) coordinates with the Division of Comparative Medicine (DCM) to provide communication, education, and training for researchers, staff, and new ASC members and to assure that research involving animals is in compliance with Federal regulations and University and sponsoring agency policies and procedures.

Embryonic Stem Cell Research Oversight CommitteeThe Embryonic Stem Cell Research Oversight Committee (ESCRO) provides appropriate oversight of human embryonic stem cell research at Washington University.  In addition, Washington University provides Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research Guidelines to support investigators engaged in human embryonic stem cell research, assure the responsible conduct of human embryonic stem cell research, and comply with federal, state, and local laws and regulations. 
Human Embryonic Stem Cell Guidelines Glossary | Embryonic Stem Cell Protocol Application

Disclosure Review CommitteeThe Disclosure Review Committees (DRC) for the Danforth Campus and the School of Medicine help to assure compliance with Federal regulations and University and sponsoring agency policies and procedures governing financial conflicts of interest. The DRC evaluates personal financial interests disclosed by university investigators and staff and provides communication and education regarding conflicts of interest to raise community awareness and assure that conflicts are identified, disclosed, and managed properly.

Human Subject Research Quality Assurance / Quality Improvement The Human Subject Research Quality Assurance / Quality Improvement Program (HSR QA/QI) performs on-site monitoring of open human subject research protocols to help assure compliance with Federal regulations and University and sponsoring agency policies and procedures governing the use of human research participants. The HSR QA/QI Committee oversees all HSR QA/QI monitoring activities and assesses findings.

Institutional Biological & Chemical Safety CommitteeThe Institutional Biological & Chemical Safety Committee (IBC) is responsible for ensuring that research carried out at WUSTL is conducted in a safe and responsible manner. The IBC oversees research involving recombinant DNA, infectious or potentially infectious agents, and/or hazardous chemicals.

Institutional Review BoardThe Human Research Protection Office (HRPO) administers ten independent Institutional Review Boards (IRBs), which review and approve protocols for all research at Washington University involving human participants.  HRPO also administers Washington University’s Human Subjects Education Program.

Radiation Safety CommitteeThe Radiation Safety Committee (RSC) works with executive management and the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) to implement the radiation safety program, and to evaluate new users and new uses of all radioactive materials at Washington University, Barnes-Jewish Hospital and St. Louis Children’s Hospital. The RSC is responsible for reviewing personnel dosimetry, users’ compliance records and the effectiveness of the radiation safety program.

Radioactive Drug Research CommitteeThe Radioactive Drug Research Committee (RDRC) works with the Human Research Protection Office (HRPO) and the RSC in reviewing human research involving radioactive drugs.  The RDRC ensures this kind of human research meets Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements (21 CFR 361.1)