Rules and Regulations:

Restricted Projects

Students involved in research in any of these restricted areas must read

and follow the rules in this section.

  1. Human subjects

  2. Vertebrate animals

  3. Potentially hazardous biological agents

    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * **

  4. Hazardous chemicals, activities or devices (includes tobacco & alcohol )

  5. Research in off-campus facilities or programs


A.    Projects Requiring Prior Approval

Students planning on conducting an experiment in any of the first three areas listed above must submit a Research Proposal, which includes a written Research Plan detailing the project, to the Scientific Review Committee/Institutional Review Board for approval before actual experimentation begins. This proposal must include the following:

  •   Checklist for Adult Sponsor (Form 1)
  •   Student Checklist (Form 1A)
  •   the written Research Plan (which follows the Research Plan Instructions)
  •   Approval Form (Form 1B)
  •   any other forms applicable to the project (Form 4, Form 6A, Form 7, etc.)   

More information on what information needs to be included in the Research Proposal can be found via the link below. The appropriate certification forms should be attached to the Research Proposal (as well as to the final Project Synopsis). Do not include Form 1C (Regulated Research Institution Form) at this time.  All forms may be accessed from the MRSF website menu.

Experimentation may not begin until the Approval Form, signed by the Chairman of the SRC/IRB, is returned to the student. 

An exception to the prior submission of a research proposal to the SRC is if the research is being done under the direct supervision of a Qualified Scientist in an institutional setting. Students working in the labs of registered research institutions (such as VCU) do not have to have prior SRC approval, but it is highly recommended. In most cases, the research must be approved by the institution’s own review board(s) (IACUC, IBC, etc.) and documentation of this approval must be attached to the synopsis when it is submitted to the Fair in February.  If the institution won't formally approve the project then the student MUST submit a proposal to the Fair SRC before the start of the experiment.   All appropriate ISEF approval forms should also be completed by the student and Mentor before experimentation. The Registered Research Institution Form (Form 1C) is completed by the Qualified Scientist AFTER experimentation is concluded. All of these forms will be examined by the SRC/IRB when the paper is submitted for competition. Students could possibly be disqualified if all of the paperwork is not complete.

 

Middle School SRC's

Middle schools may choose to have their own SRC if they have participated in the Metro Richmond Science Fair for at least 1 year, or if the committee members are trained by the Coordinator. Otherwise, research proposals must be submitted to the Fair SRC/IRB. Experimentation may not begin until the Approval Form, signed by the Chairman of the SRC, is returned to the student. 

For more information, see Rules for the Middle School SRC.

 

B.    Projects That Do NOT Require Prior Approval

If students are working with hazardous chemicals or devices (such as firearms, strong chemicals, electricity, lasers, etc.), or if their project involves hazardous activities, they do not have to submit a Research Proposal to the SRC before they begin their experiment. They must, however, submit additional an additional form (or two) and be working with a Qualified Scientist or a Designated Supervisor who:

    1. has training in the subject area of the experiment,
    2. discusses safety concerns with the student before the experiment begins,
    3. conducts a formal written Risk Assessment (Form 3) with the student based on those safety concerns,
    4. directly supervises the experiment.

See the specific rules section for Hazardous Chemicals, Activities or Devices for additional information.


Students conducting research (such as that involving firearms, lasers, gasohol, radioactive substances, etc.) that requires a federal and/or state permit must have the permit prior to the start of research. A copy of the permit must be submitted to the Adult Sponsor (teacher) with the Research Plan for his/her approval. A copy must also accompany the Project Synopsis, and the Fair Exhibit. Information on permits may be obtained from the appropriate federal or state agency.


General Information for Restricted Projects



Information Specific to the Type of Research
Updated 9/14/10