IRB Reliance (Single IRB Review)

In order to maintain regulatory compliance, and to help facilitate human research initiatives, the Reliance Team provides resources and support for researchers engaging in reliance activities with External collaborators. The resources and information found on this page provide a complete overview of the reliance process.

The goal is to enhance and streamline the IRB review process in the context of multi-site research so that research can proceed as effectively and expeditiously as possible. Eliminating duplicative IRB review is expected to reduce unnecessary administrative burdens and systemic inefficiencies without diminishing human subjects protections.

If you need additional information or have questions, please contact us at irbrely@ucsd.edu.

Single IRB | sIRB

What is a single IRB review?

A review performed by one institution (IRB of Record) for multi-site research to establish the expectation that a single IRB (sIRB) of record will be used in the ethical/scientific review of non-exempt human subjects research protocols.

What it doesn't do

It does not substitute Investigator responsibilities or other institutional requirements. Investigators are still responsible for conducting research in compliance with regulations, laws, and institutional policies (local context) for the protection of human subjects in research. Should a project involve other review entities/committees such as OCTA, OCAA, PRMC, COI, etc. it is still the Investigator’s responsibility to ensure that these entities/committees have been informed of a required review, as appropriate.

What’s driving sIRB?