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 Talk

There will not be a SMART Talk in August. Stay tuned for future offerings.

SMART IRB Reliance Agreement V3.0 is here!

Review and join the *new* SMART IRB Reliance Agreement.

Office Hours

Summer Series: Select Wednesdays

Updates, guidance, practical tips, and technical support.

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

Implementation Checklist

Highlights the SMART IRB Agreement’s flexible provisions and documents which options the Reviewing IRB will implement for a ceded review.

SMART Talk

A monthly community forum

Watch past SMART Talks tackling emerging issues, persistent challenges, lessons learned, and best practices related to single IRB review.

Harmonization

Single IRB Continuing Review Process

Recommendations for the roles and responsibilities of Reviewing IRBs, Relying Institutions, Overall PIs, and Relying Site Investigators as they relate to continuing review.

Responsibilities Associated with Review of Study Personnel

Recommendations for ensuring study personnel are appropriately trained and qualified to conduct the research under review.

Reportable Events Recommendations

Recommendations for investigator-initiated multisite studies, reviewing noncompliance and unanticipated problems, and ensuring prompt reporting.

Support

Support Center

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SMART IRB Ambassadors