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Grounded in Ethical Principles

The Denver Museum of Nature & Science Institutional Review Board (IRB) is an independent committee responsible for protecting the rights, privacy and well-being of people who participate in research. Grounded in the ethical principles of the Belmont Report — respect for persons, beneficence and justice — our IRB ensures that all research reviewed at the Museum is conducted responsibly, transparently and in a manner that prioritizes participant welfare.

Guests speaking with staff

What the IRB Does

The IRB reviews research projects that involve interacting with people or collecting identifiable private information, including studies conducted by Museum staff and eligible external researchers. 

Our responsibilities include: 

  • Determining whether a project meets the federal definition of human-subjects research 
  • Reviewing studies for risk, informed consent, participant privacy and fairness in recruitment 
  • Approving, requiring modifications to or disapproving proposed research 
  • Determining whether a study qualifies for exempt, expedited or full-board review 
  • Monitoring approved studies through periodic updates or continuing review 
  • Establishing reliance agreements when research is reviewed by another qualified IRB 

The goal is to ensure that research contributes to generalizable knowledge while protecting participants and upholding Museum values.  

Guests and staff sitting inside lab

Why Use DMNS IRB

The Museum has extensive experience conducting visitor studies, evaluation research and community-engaged projects. This background positions the IRB to thoughtfully assess risks, privacy considerations and ethical concerns unique to cultural institutions and public-facing environments. 

The Museum’s IRB includes researchers, evaluation specialists and community members who bring a range of expertise to the review process. Membership includes individuals both affiliated and unaffiliated with DMNS to ensure perspectives that represent both scientific and public interests. All members complete formal human-subjects protections training and participate in ongoing education to remain current with evolving regulations and best practices.

IRB Pricing

Not sure what level of review you need? Request additional information from the IRB at [email protected].

Expedited Review

 

$500

A streamlined review for minimal-risk studies, completed quickly while still meeting all ethical and regulatory standards.

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Full Review

 

$900

A comprehensive review by the full board for studies that require more extensive evaluation of risks.

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Revisions

 

$100

A one-time review of updates or adjustments to your existing protocol, consent materials, or study procedures.

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Annual Renewal

 

$250

A yearly review to confirm your study remains compliant, up to date, and aligned with the originally approved protocol.

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Submitting Your Study

Researchers interested in submitting a study for IRB review should prepare: 

  • A completed IRB application 
  • A description of the research design and procedures 
  • Consent forms and recruitment materials 
  • A detailed plan for protecting participant privacy and data confidentiality 
  • Evidence of recent human-subjects protection training 

Once you have gathered your materials, you may submit your study using the button below.

If you are unsure whether your project requires IRB review, or have other general questions about the process, you may also submit a request for information by emailing us at [email protected].

Submit Study Request

IRB Members

Madeline White- IRB Chair 

 

B.A. Sociology  

M.B.A . 

M.S.W. in Organizational Leadership  

Non-Scientist

Specialties: Social science, evaluation, systems administration

Gabriela Galindez- IRB Administration

 

B.F.A. Studio Arts   

M.A. Latin American and Border Studies  

Non-Scientist

Specialties: Art education programing

Chris Byard

 

B.S. Psychology (Birmingham-Southern College)  

M.S. Cross-Cultural Psychology (Brunel University of London)  

Non-scientist 

Specialties: Grants management, proposal writing

Bridget Chalifour 

 

B.S. Environmental Science (University of Florida)   

Ph.D. Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (University of Colorado Boulder)   

Scientist

Specialties: Microbial ecology, genomics/genetics, metabolomics, environmental epidemiology, research in human/animal/environmental systems

Courtney Donovan- Unaffiliated member  

 

B.S. in Biology from Oklahoma Christian University    

M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction, emphasis in STEM education, from CU Denver   

Ph.D. in Research Methods & Statistics from University of Denver  

Non-Scientist