North Central District
Science Day

Information

6. Scientific Review Committee

Projects involving research risks or issues and special protocols must be reviewed by a Scientific Review Committee (SRC) before the start of experimentation. This requirement covers all projects involving

(1) live vertebrate animals including observation projects,

(2) controlled substances,

(3) potentially hazardous biological agents

Each school is responsible for having a Scientific Review Committee review such projects before the start of experimentation. If a school is unable to form a local SRC, then they may use the services of the Scientific Review Committee at The Ohio State University at Marion. Please contact mcennis.1@osu.edu if you choose this option.

All projects will be reviewed by OSUM's Scientific Review Committee before the North Central District Science Day. Projects in the above areas that do not have the necessary prior approval will be disqualified. It is strongly recommended that the forms for all such projects be submitted to OSUM before the student begins experimentation. The SRC at OSUM will endeavor to work with students to ensure that any problems with their projects are corrected, and they can also put a student in touch with a mentor for the project. (See Mentors.)

If a school is setting up a local SRC, then it must consist of a minimum of three persons. Additional members are recommended to avoid conflict of interest. The SRC must include:

a) a biomedical scientist (Ph.D., M.D., D.V.M., D.D.S., or D.O.)

b) a science teacher

c) at least one other member

At least one of the SRC members must be familiar with proper animal care procedures when animal research is involved. The SRC can then serve as an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee.

To avoid conflict of interest, no parent or person who has signed a form as the Adult Sponsor, Qualified Scientist, or Designated Supervisor is permitted to serve on the SRC reviewing that project.

The SRC examines projects for the following:

a) evidence of literature search

b) evidence of proper supervision

c) use of accepted research techniques

d) completed forms, signatures and dates

e) evidence of search for alternatives to animal use

f) humane treatment of animals

g) compliance with rules and laws governing human and animal research

h) appropriate use of recombinant DNA, pathogenic organisms, controlled substances, tissues and hazardous substances and devices

i) appropriate documents and substantial expansion for continuation projects

For more information, see Operational Guidelines for Scientific Review Committees and Institutional Review Boards, a pdf document provided by the Society for Science & the Public.

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University Councilperson

Dr. Brian W. McEnnis
Department of Mathematics
The Ohio State University
1465 Mt. Vernon Avenue
Marion, Ohio 43302-5695

mcennis.1@osu.edu

School Councilperson

Ms. Teresa Harris
Upper Sandusky High School
800 N. Sandusky Avenue
Upper Sandusky, Ohio 43351

teresa_h@treca.org

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This page updated March 19, 2008