International Research

The Institutional Review Board of the American University of Central Asia a body which is responsible for overseeing the ethics in research and reviews the research proposals for compliance with the ethics in human subjects.

Studies conducted by AUCA researchers in collaboration with international professionals require the AUCA IRB clearance. In cases of collaborative projects where AUCA researchers participate equally with international colleagues, the local AUCA team can be in charge of the IRB application. However, it is expected that all the investigators, including student assistants who will have access to the data, are registered in the IRB Engine: https://review-irb.auca.kg.

The Engine will require the applicant and the co-investigators to go through the IRB training and the Exam.

The AUCA research team or department which is hosting international researchers is responsible for familiarizing these specialists with the AUCA IRB rules and procedures. The IRB expects that all applicants comply with the standard procedures, including the IRB Exam as a necessary proof of qualification. 

The projects conducted by independent researchers in AUCA require the AUCA IRB clearance.

The projects conducted by independents researchers not affiliated with AUCA and not working in collaboration with AUCA researchers require the AUCA IRB clearance. In certain cases, the IRB will require renumeration for the services. Please contact the Board directly with inquiries.

The projects that have already been approved by an IRB elsewhere might also require the AUCA IRB approval. The IRB application allows to upload the previous approvals, which can make the process faster. Please contact the irb@auca.kg with any questions.