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
Community Forum
December 17, 2025
Venturing into Version 3.0: Tips for Successfully Implementing the Revised SMART IRB Agreement
Spreading the Word
New video provides a quick introduction to the benefits of SMART IRB.
Single IRB Boot Camp
A How-to Guide with SMART IRB
October 29 & October 30, 2025
New to single IRB? Join our free online training for IRB/HRPP professionals.
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
Join an upcoming session or 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.
