The Cherokee Nation has a long history of supporting biomedical, social, educational, and behavioral research. This is especially true when research studies are proposed in a culturally sensitive manner and when it fills a gap in knowledge or services provided.

Applications for research must be submitted by the Principal Investigator of a research project, 10 business days before the CN IRB board meeting.

At the bottom of this page, you will find all the necessary documents needed to complete and submit your application to us.

Key things to know:

  • The CN IRB meets every 2nd Wednesday of the month
  • Any Adverse Events should be submitted directly to the CN IRB through our email IRB@cherokee.org
  • You can also submit any study renewals, amendments and/or study closures through this page.
  • Some research may require multiple IRB's approvals before activities can begin.
  • You will need a Tribal letter of support for any proposal submitted.

For more information and help please review the Guidance page or contact us.

Downloads

HIPPA Tree

270.4 KB / Created May 7, 2019 / Updated November 19, 2025

Determining when HIPAA applies to health research.

Fillable HIPAA form

584.3 KB / Created April 16, 2021 / Updated November 19, 2025

Cherokee Nation authorization to access, use or disclose protected health information (PHI) that identifies you for a research study.

Lay Summary Guide

265.5 KB / Created May 7, 2019 / Updated November 19, 2025

Summary of research project goals, activities, and findings, that is used to explain complex scientific theories and technical terms to non-scientific people.

Informed Consent Guide

266 KB / Created May 7, 2019 / Updated November 19, 2025

Informed Consent must be obtained for all types of human subjects research.

Tribal Sponsor Guide

307.4 KB / Created May 7, 2019 / Updated November 19, 2025

Tribal Sponsor will always be an employee of the Cherokee Nation and should be an authority in the area of your subject matter.

Tribal Research Guide

135.3 KB / Created May 7, 2019 / Updated November 19, 2025

Guide on conducting research within tribal communities within the Cherokee Nation.

Proposal Application

112 KB / Created May 7, 2019 / Updated November 19, 2025

Application to submit a new research proposal to the Institutional Review Board.

Renewal Application

91.3 KB / Created May 7, 2019 / Updated November 19, 2025

Renewal application for renewing your research proposal with the Institutional Review Board.

Updated November 25, 2025