SMART IRB (Streamlined Multisite Accelerated Reliance for Trials)

Click the banner to initiate a request in the online Reliance System if directed by an IRB liaison or Click here to see all participating sites

SMART IRB is an initiative developed under an award from the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences ("NCATS") of the National Institute of Health ("NIH") to support single Institutional Review Board review in the facilitation of multi-site human subjects’ research. SMART IRB includes:

• An IRB reliance agreement that permits eligible institutions that join it (“Participating Institutions”) to cede review of human subjects research to other Participating Institutions’ IRBs; and
• A set of standard operating procedures (SOPs) to guide implementation of the reliance relationship among Participating Institutions.
• A network of regional ambassador to support adoption and implementation of IRB reliance across the nation.
• An optional centralized online system to support sign-on, reliance determinations, and harmonization (ongoing development).

Investigators can use the online system to request, track, and document reliance agreements for studies among SMART IRB Participating Institutions.

Requests may be initiated directly from an investigator, a member of the study staff, or the external IRB. Determinations are made on a case-by-case basis by the UMass Chan IRB and appropriate Institutional Officials.

NOTE: The reliance agreement process varies depending on who is serving as the IRB of Record.                   
***First step:
Contact the IRB Liaisons, Allison Blodgett (508-856-4271) or Joann Jean-Baptiste  (508-856-8092) with the information below.      

UMass Chan to serve as Reviewing IRB

• UMass Chan IRB Docket # H------
• Description of how external personnel are involved in the research
• Their home Institution

UMass Chan to serve as a Relying IRB

• Copy of the protocol
• Copy of the consent
• Description of how UMass Chan personnel are involved in the research
• HRP-270 Form