Whether you’re preparing your first IRB submission or managing an ongoing research study, our educational IRB resources provide practical guidance on human subjects research, IRB review, informed consent, and research compliance. Explore our articles and guides organized by topic to find the information you need.
External vs. Private vs. Central IRBs: What’s the Difference?
When planning a study that involves human participants, one of the first steps is securing approval from an Institutional Review Board (IRB). Researchers often encounter terms like external IRB, central IRB, and private IRB—sometimes even used interchangeably. While these concepts overlap, they are not identical. Understanding the distinctions can help researchers choose the right partner…
Why Researchers Choose an External IRB
When launching a research study involving human participants, investigators face one of the most important steps in the process: securing Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval. For some, their university or organization may already have an internal IRB. But increasingly, researchers are turning to external IRBs—independent, third-party review boards—for oversight. Why would a researcher choose this…
The Role of Independent IRBs and Research Consultants
Collaborating for Success Research can be complex—from designing a solid study to navigating human subjects protections and regulatory compliance. That’s why more investigators are turning to research consultants for expert guidance—and relying on independent IRBs, like Solutions IRB, to ensure ethical and timely review. Together, research consultants and IRBs form a powerful team, helping research…
Understanding IRB Review Levels
In the realm of academic and clinical research, ensuring ethical standards is not just recommended—it’s imperative. Enter the Institutional Review Board (IRB), a foundational pillar in maintaining ethical practices in research involving human subjects. For new and established researchers alike, understanding the intricacies of IRB processes can be as crucial as the research itself. This…
Understanding Exempt Research
Research involving human participants does not always require the same type of IRB review. Depending on the nature of the study and the activities involved, some research may qualify for an exemption under the federal regulations governing human subjects research. But the word “exempt” can be misleading. Exempt research is not necessarily exempt from all…
Expedited IRB Reviews Made Simple
Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) play a pivotal role in overseeing the ethical aspects of research involving human subjects. This ensures the protection of participants and adheres to ethical standards. However, in time-sensitive research scenarios, particularly in areas like public health emergencies or medical advancements, expedited IRB reviews can be a crucial tool to maintain compliance…
Appropriate Compensation for Research Participants
Compensating research participants for their time and effort is common in human subjects research. Compensation can recognize the time, travel, inconvenience, or effort involved in participating in a study. However, compensation should be carefully considered during study planning and clearly described in the materials submitted to the IRB. Researchers should consider whether the proposed compensation…
A Beginner’s Guide to IRB Submission
Submitting your first Institutional Review Board (IRB) application can feel overwhelming. Between preparing your study documents, understanding regulatory requirements, and ensuring everything aligns, it’s easy to wonder where to begin. The good news is that with a little preparation, the process becomes much more manageable. Taking the time to organize your study before submitting it…
Writing Participant-Friendly Study Materials
One of the most important parts of any research study isn’t the protocol, data collection plan, or statistical analysis—it’s the information participants receive. Whether you’re creating an informed consent form, recruitment flyer, survey instructions, or follow-up communications, your study materials should be written with the participant in mind. Clear, participant-friendly study materials help individuals make…
The Principal Investigator’s Role in IRB Revisions
At Solutions IRB, we understand that researchers are eager to move their studies forward as quickly as possible. Timelines matter. Funding matters. Participant recruitment matters. But one of the most common causes of review delays isn’t the IRB itself — it’s the revision process. More specifically, delays often occur when revisions are not addressed directly…
Understanding Research Team Roles
Who Does What in a Research Study? Behind every ethical, well-run research study is a team of individuals working together to protect participants, collect high-quality data, and ensure regulatory compliance. While research teams can vary by study type and size, most include a few core roles that each serve a distinct purpose. Understanding these roles—not…
Choosing the Right PI
Understanding the Role of a Principal Investigator In the intricate world of research, a Principal Investigator (PI) stands at the helm of projects, steering the ship through choppy waters. But what exactly does a PI do? For researchers, understanding this role is crucial. PIs are not just team leaders; they are visionaries, planners, and mentors…
How to Respond to IRB Reviewer Comments
Receiving comments or revision requests from an Institutional Review Board (IRB) is a normal part of the research review process. For researchers, however, an IRB revision request can sometimes feel overwhelming—especially when several changes are requested or when the reasoning behind a comment is not immediately clear. Understanding how to respond effectively to reviewer comments…
How to Complete Your IRB Application for Faster Approval (and Fewer Revisions)
A well-prepared IRB application does more than check a regulatory box—it sets the tone for your entire study. Submitting a complete, thorough application the first time around can significantly streamline the review process, reduce back-and-forth revisions, and help ensure your research stays on schedule. While it may be tempting to move quickly through the application…
Why Application Alignment Matters in IRB Submissions
When preparing an Institutional Review Board (IRB) submission, it’s easy to think of each component—the protocol, consent forms, recruitment materials, and application itself—as separate tasks. In reality, they should function as a cohesive, unified package. Application alignment across all study documents is not just a best practice; it is essential for ethical oversight, efficient review,…
Writing Participant-Friendly Study Materials
One of the most important parts of any research study isn’t the protocol, data collection plan, or statistical analysis—it’s the information participants receive. Whether you’re creating an informed consent form, recruitment flyer, survey instructions, or follow-up communications, your study materials should be written with the participant in mind. Clear, participant-friendly study materials help individuals make…
Why Application Alignment Matters in IRB Submissions
When preparing an Institutional Review Board (IRB) submission, it’s easy to think of each component—the protocol, consent forms, recruitment materials, and application itself—as separate tasks. In reality, they should function as a cohesive, unified package. Application alignment across all study documents is not just a best practice; it is essential for ethical oversight, efficient review,…
Strong Records, Strong Research
At Solutions IRB, we often talk with researchers about study design, consent language, and regulatory pathways—but one area that doesn’t always get the attention it deserves is record keeping. Accurate, organized, and complete documentation is not just a best practice—it is a critical component of responsible research conduct. Strong record keeping protects your study, your…
Understanding IRB Industry Standards: What Researchers Should Expect
Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) play a critical role in protecting the rights and welfare of human research participants. But what exactly defines IRB industry standards, and how can researchers ensure they are working with a board that meets those expectations? How Federal Regulations and AAHRPP Accreditation Shape IRB Standards At a foundational level, IRB industry…
The Value of an Expert IRB Team
In the world of human subjects research, Institutional Review Board (IRB) review is a critical safeguard—but navigating the process can feel overwhelming, especially for researchers who are new to IRB submission or managing complex protocols. While regulations and forms are unavoidable, what truly makes the difference is having access to an experienced IRB administrative team…
Why IRBs Cannot Retrospectively Review Studies
Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) play a crucial role in ensuring ethical and compliant human subjects research. Every IRB review—whether exempt, expedited, or full board—serves one core purpose: to protect participants before any study activities begin. But what happens when a researcher realizes, after collecting data, that IRB approval was required? Can an IRB provide retrospective…
Appropriate Compensation for Research Participants
Compensating research participants for their time and effort is common in human subjects research. Compensation can recognize the time, travel, inconvenience, or effort involved in participating in a study. However, compensation should be carefully considered during study planning and clearly described in the materials submitted to the IRB. Researchers should consider whether the proposed compensation…
Common Issues in Social Behavioral Research: Part Three
Social behavioral research offers critical insights into how humans interact with one another, their environments, and societal structures. However, conducting this type of research requires meticulous attention to ethical considerations and compliance with institutional review board (IRB) standards. Independent IRBs for social science research help ensure your study is ethical, safe, and set up for…
Common Issues in Social Behavioral Research: Part Two
Ethical integrity and compliance are the cornerstones of social behavioral research, making Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) an essential part of the process. Whether conducting studies on workplace behavior, mental health, or societal trends, gaining IRB approval ensures that your research is aligned with federal regulations designed to uphold participant safety and maintain the integrity of…
Recruitment Requirements for IRB Review
Recruitment is more than a logistical step in preparing a study—it is the very first interaction a potential participant has with the research team. A strong recruitment plan demonstrates respect for individuals, protects privacy, and ensures that the study reaches an appropriate and equitable sample. Because of this, recruitment materials and methods must be reviewed…
Recruiting Participants Through Social Media
Social media has become a powerful tool for reaching diverse audiences, and researchers are increasingly leveraging its potential for participant recruitment. From targeted ads to engaging communities, social media offers inventive ways to connect with individuals who fit your study’s criteria. But it’s not just about setting up a post and hoping for the best—using…
Effective Recruitment in Human Subjects Research
At its core, recruiting for human subjects research is about connecting with the right individuals to answer your study’s scientific questions. The right participants not only ensure the validity of your data but also help demonstrate that your research is well-designed and impactful. Poor recruitment can lead to delays, insufficient sample sizes, or even invalid…
Stay on Track with Your IRB Approval Through Annual Check-Ins
Maintaining ethical oversight does not end once a study receives approval. In fact, one of the most important parts of the Institutional Review Board (IRB) process happens after a study is approved: ongoing review. At Solutions IRB, this ongoing oversight includes the Annual Check-In (ACI) process, which helps ensure that studies remain compliant, transparent, and…
Understanding IRB Termination: What It Means and Why It Happens
At Solutions IRB, we view Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval as more than a regulatory requirement—it is an ongoing partnership focused on protecting research participants and supporting ethical, high-quality research. Our role is not to stand in the way of research, but to help it move forward responsibly and compliantly. Institutional Review Board approval is…
Annual Check-Ins and Expired Studies
When conducting human-subject research, regulatory compliance doesn’t end once your study has been approved. Ongoing oversight is a critical part of protecting participants and maintaining study integrity. At Solutions IRB, two key aspects of this oversight are IRB annual check-ins and managing expired studies. Understanding these requirements can help researchers avoid unnecessary delays, added costs,…
IRB Amendments – Tips on Making Changes to Your IRB Application
In the world of research, Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) serve as vital checkpoints to ensure ethical practices are maintained throughout the course of a study. But what happens when you need to amend your IRB application after it has been approved? This can often feel like navigating a maze without a map. Whether you’re a…
Change may be good, but it needs to be reported to the IRB
Recognizing when to submit an amendment is crucial. An amendment is viewed as ANY change to what was previously approved to an existing approved Institutional Review Board (IRB) protocol. Some examples for when to submit an amendment are, but not limited to change in: document content/format, study personnel, recruitment material, tests, consent form language, survey…
Department of Defense Research and IRB Review: What Researchers Should Know
Research involving the Department of Defense (DoD), veterans, active-duty military personnel, or members of the armed forces comes with unique ethical and regulatory considerations. Whether a study involves clinical research, behavioral surveys, retrospective chart reviews, or device testing, investigators must ensure their research complies with federal regulations and additional DoD-specific requirements designed to protect military…
Protecting Young Participants
How Solutions IRB Oversees Youth Research Research involving children and adolescents plays a critical role in advancing education, behavioral science, public health, and social development. From school-based surveys to intervention studies and community programs, youth-focused research helps us better understand and support the next generation. However, because minors are considered a vulnerable population, additional safeguards…
Managing Risks for Participants
Human subject research plays a pivotal role in advancing our understanding of human health, behaviors, and society. From developing life-saving treatments and interventions to uncovering behavioral insights, the contributions of participants in these studies are immeasurable. However, alongside its immense benefits come the ethical responsibility to identify, minimize, and manage the risks faced by participants.…
The Value of an Expert IRB Team
In the world of human subjects research, Institutional Review Board (IRB) review is a critical safeguard—but navigating the process can feel overwhelming, especially for researchers who are new to IRB submission or managing complex protocols. While regulations and forms are unavoidable, what truly makes the difference is having access to an experienced IRB administrative team…
IRB Member Requirements
Understanding the Roles of Lay and Professional Reviewers Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) serve as a critical safeguard in protecting the rights and welfare of individuals who participate in research. At the foundation of every IRB is a diverse group of members who work together to ensure that studies are ethically and responsibly reviewed. Federal regulations…
The Non-Scientists’ Role on Institutional Review Boards
In the world of research, Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) play a pivotal role in safeguarding ethics. But did you know that non-scientists are crucial to this process? This blog aims to shed light on the essential role non-scientists play on IRBs, inviting us to appreciate their contributions to ethical research. Through this exploration, we hope…
Need Additional Guidance?
Our IRB resources are a great starting point, but every study has its own unique considerations. If you have questions or would like to discuss your research with our team, we’re here to help. Schedule a meeting with Solutions IRB to learn how we can support your research journey.