SMART IRB
Supporting single IRB review and advancing collaborative research
SMART IRB eases challenges associated with multisite research by providing free, comprehensive support for single IRB (sIRB) arrangements.
From small collaborations to large research networks, SMART IRB is designed to make multisite research work better for both IRB/HRPP personnel and research teams. Our educational resources, tools, templates, and guidance help Participating Institutions across the country improve efficiency, reduce burden, and advance research.
News and Events
SMART IRB Reliance Agreement V3.0 is here!
Hot off the presses: review and join the *new* SMART IRB Agreement
NEW: Office Hours
Weekly on Wednesdays
Practical tips and technical support to help you get started with Version 3.0 and the Reliance System.
SMART Talk
April 16, 2025
How Shall I Staff for Single IRB? Let Me Count the Ways… Exploring Models of Reliance Staffing
A roadmap to single IRB review
Reliance Agreement
Streamlines IRB review and oversight for multisite studies and eliminates the time and effort of negotiating IRB authorization agreements for each study. Once your institution has joined, you may use the Agreement to support collaborations with Participating Institutions.
Reliance System
Allows institutions to join the Reliance Agreement and maintain their Institutional Profile. Provides a centralized system for investigators and institutions to request, track, and document reliance arrangements for their studies.
Resource Library
Browse, search, and sort SOPs, templates, checklists, tools, guidance, and more. These flexible resources are ready to use, easy to adapt, and designed to support IRB/HRPP staff, investigators, and study teams.
Learning Center
Education, on-demand training, and packaged resources to help investigators, study teams, and IRB/HRPP staff and institutions successfully plan for and navigate single IRB arrangements.
Investigators & Study Teams
Learn about your responsibilities related to single IRB and download start-up packages to help you plan your study and navigate IRB reliance arrangements.
IRB/HRPP Staff & Institutions
Learn about the roles and responsibilities of Reviewing IRBs and Relying Institutions and download start-up packages to help you implement the SMART IRB Agreement.
Featured Resource
SMART Talk
A monthly community forum
For IRB/HRPP Professionals & Study Teams
Watch past SMART Talks tackling emerging issues, persistent challenges, lessons learned, and best practices related to single IRB review.
Harmonization
Recommendations for the Harmonization of Ancillary Reviews
Best practices for defining ancillary reviews and recommendations for centralizing reviews, timing, and allocating responsibilities in an sIRB context. Includes guidance and an implementation checklist.
Conflict of Interest Review Processes for sIRB Review
Addresses responsibilities of a Relying Institution and a Reviewing IRB/Reviewing IRB Institution in the COI review process, including FAQs and guidance for determining and managing COI.
Post-Approval Auditing for Studies Subject to Single IRB Review
Identifies best practices and provides tools to support for-cause and not-for-cause audits in an sIRB context. Includes guidance, checklists, and a template report.
