Internal Review Boards (IRB)

The Netherlands Code of Conduct for Research Integrity (NCCRI) 2018, in particular its clause 4.18, obliges Dutch universities to assure full compliance of research projects with ethical requirements, among other things. That clause reads as follows:

“Undertake ethical reviews where necessary; for example, by setting up one or more ethical committees and providing them with adequate support. These committees can provide researchers with binding or non-binding advice on issues such as the use and treatment of patients, human and animal test subjects, the possible risks of publishing data, the use of human tissue, risks to the environment or cultural heritage and potential conflicts of interest.”

Adhering to the requirements of NCCRI, the Erasmus Research Institute of Management (ERIM) has set up internal review boards (IRBs). ERIM is the joint research institute of the Rotterdam School of Management (RSM) and the Erasmus School of Economics (ESE), hence both schools have formed their own IRBs to serve its researchers. Please find the relevant boards below. The RSM and ESE IRBs somewhat differ in their guidelines and practices, which you will find on the relevant page.

Note that the decision of the IRBs is binding. However, you can appeal to the decision at the central IRB Appeal Board (still in formation, for current please check the policy of each board).

Should you have any questions or concerns, please email erim-re@erim.eur.nl or the Ethics Secretary at l.cecilia@rsm.nl.