Institutional Review Board & Research
For many small institutions, building and strengthening an Institutional Review Board (IRB) and research oversight can be challenging. We offer practical, right-sized support from policies, training, and protocol review. We make research governance efficient, effective, and researcher-friendly.
Most importantly, we understand the deep nuances and complexities of research within the context of art and design.
IRB & Research Support
Research Methods Tailored to Creative Practice
Art and design colleges often engage in forms of inquiry that do not fit neatly within traditional research frameworks. We help institutions navigate the unique ethical and methodological considerations of creative practice, including arts-based research, community-engaged projects, participatory design, public exhibitions, oral histories, and interdisciplinary work that blends artistic and social science methods. Our support helps researchers understand when projects require review, how to articulate risks and protections, and how to design ethically sound studies without constraining creative inquiry.
IRB Capacity Building for Small and Emerging Research Institutions
Many art and design colleges are expanding their research activity without the infrastructure common at large research universities. We provide practical support in developing or strengthening IRB policies, procedures, training programs, review workflows, and governance structures. Whether establishing an IRB from the ground up or improving an existing process, we create systems that are compliant, efficient, and appropriately scaled to the institution's research portfolio.
Cultivating a Culture of Ethical Inquiry
Strong research oversight extends beyond compliance. We work with institutions to build a campus culture that views ethics as a core component of creative and scholarly practice. Through workshops, faculty development, student training, policy guidance, and research consultation, we help embed ethical reflection into curricula, thesis projects, community partnerships, and public-facing work. The result is a research environment where responsible inquiry strengthens both academic rigor and public trust.
“While our students had been asking for research opportunities for years, we had no infrastructure to support this. Within a year, we developed and implemented an MFA in Studio Thesis option that leveraged our existing structures and integrated our Liberal Arts faculty with the Graduate students. Everyone involved is excited and in the first two years, we’re already seeing projects take students into fully funded PhD programs. ”
— Associate Dean, Graduate Studies, SAIC