To facilitate the conduct of and training in scientifically and ethically responsible research involving humans, and establish and maintain cooperative relations with organizations sharing common interests.
To examine issues related to the ethics of and regulatory requirements for research involving humans and disseminate accurate information about such research.
To develop and disseminate guidelines for protecting the rights and welfare of humans involved in research, and consult on the implementation of these guidelines.
Beginning in 2025, the committee shall consist of seven members elected by the Board of Scientific Affairs. Each year, two members will be elected for a term of 3 years. At least one member of the committee shall be an early career psychologist and one member will be a graduate student. The committee shall report to Council through the Board of Scientific Affairs.
Staff liaison
Joan Freund Director of Governance Operations Ethics Office
Members
2026 Chair:
Anjali Thapar, PhD (2023-26)
Bryn Mawr University
2026 Vice Chair:
Jen Katz-Buonincontro, PhD (2025-27)
Drexel University
Donelson Forsyth, PhD (2023-26) University of Richmond
Joanna Fiszdon, PhD (2025-27) Yale University School of Medicine
Mr. Simon M. Li (2025-27) Boston University
Robert Ross Maclean, PhD (2026-28) Yale University
Ana Kamille Marcelo, PhD (2026-28) Clark University
Common Rule resources
The Revised Common Rule: Challenges and Opportunities for Psychological Researchers
The Committee on Human Research held this webinar on October 30, 2025. The webinar features panelists discussing the evolution of IRB practices and the challenges associated with implementing the revised Common Rule, including the ethical considerations researchers must address when conducting studies.
How Common Rule changes streamline IRB approval A revision to the Common Rule—federal regulations that protect human research participants—has made it easier to gain approval for research studies from institutional review boards (IRBs). But many researchers aren’t fully aware of what the changes mean for them.
