The Qualified Scientist

A Qualified Scientist is required for the following types of project:

• Research involving human subjects, if an IRB has determined that more than minimal risk is involved
  
  
• Vertebrate animal research conducted in a regulated research institution
  
  
• Vertebrate animal research conducted in a non-regulated site (except for observational studies of animals in their natural environment or in zoological parks.) A Designated Supervisor may substitute for a Qualified Scientist for research conducted in a non-regulated site.
  
  
• Research involving potentially hazardous biological agents. A trained Designated Supervisor may substitute for a Qualified Scientist if the research is at Biosafety Level 1
  
  
• Research involving federally-controlled medications, including prescriptions and experimental substances

A Qualified Scientist should possess an earned doctoral/professional degree in the biological or medical sciences as it relates to the student's area of research. However, a master's degree with equivalent experience and/or expertise in the student's area of research is acceptable when approved by a Scientific Review Committee (SRC). The Qualified Scientist must be thoroughly familiar with the local, state, and federal regulations that govern the student's area of research.

The Qualified Scientist and the Adult Sponsor may be the same person, if that person is qualified as outlined above. A student may work with a Qualified Scientist in another city or state. In this case, the student must work locally with a Designated Supervisor who has been trained in the techniques the student will use.