Q. Institutional Review Board (IRB) at Princeton?

Some types of research such as conducting one's own survey or running an experiment require Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval.  Even secondary research involving certain protected classes such as prisoners or minors may require IRB approval.  See Princeton's policies and guidelines. Some times the data provider will also require IRB clearance for restricted data due to the sensitive nature of the data or the presence of factors that could lead to identification.  First step is human resource training.  There are various forms that one must then fill out to gain clearance. 

Some data contracts require a signature from someone who has the authority to sign on behalf of the University.  Each department has an ORPA contact.  This comes after going through IRB approval.