Can I participate in my own research?
A Principal Investigator (PI) or research staff member who participates in their research study (“self-experimentation”) is a Human Subject themselves. Therefore, any protocol that involves self-experimentation requires prior IRB review to evaluate risks, adequacy of the informed consent process, and appropriate safeguards for all participants. The protocol should explain how consent will be obtained from all participants, including specific details about the consent process for the researcher, and must describe any additional safeguards that will be employed to protect the researcher. Researchers cannot be compensated for serving as participants in their own research.