Single IRB of Record (sIRB)

It is now common practice for multi-site research studies to seek ethical review and approval of the proposed research by a single IRB.

  • The IRB conducting this single review is often referred to as the IRB of Record or Reviewing IRB.

  • The IRBs affiliated with the research sites are asked to enter into Reliance Agreements or IRB Authorization Agreements. This agreement serves as acceptance of the initial and ongoing ethical review by the IRB of Record, rather than performing multiple site IRB reviews. The IRBs that accept the approval of the IRB of Record are referred to as Relying IRBs.

  • The University of Pennsylvania is willing to serve as the IRB of Record for multi-site studies.

Penn as Single IRB of Record

Request for Penn to Serve as sIRB

Guidance is provided on when Penn is willing to serve as the single IRB of Record (sIRB), how to make an sIRB request, associated fees, creating consent templates for relying sites, and more.

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IRB Reliance Agreements

When an IRB serves as the single IRB of Record for external sites, a reliance agreement (or IRB Authorization Agreement) must be executed with each site. Click for more information on the execution of reliance agreements with external central and academic IRBs (including SMART IRB) as well as individual investigators.

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Penn as a Relying Site

If you’re looking for information on how to ask Penn to rely on an external IRB, please click below for How to Request a Reliance Agreement.

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