What is SMART IRB?
SMART IRB, the Streamlined, Multisite, Accelerated Resources for Trials IRB Reliance platform, is designed to harmonize and streamline the IRB review process for multisite studies. This online reliance system allows researchers to submit electronic requests for a master reliance agreement that can replace the need for Institutional Authorization Agreements (IAAs). SMART IRB is an integrated, comprehensive platform that allows flexibility in the size and scope of collaboration to enable IRB reliance for multisite studies across the nation, regardless of funding status.
Who can use the SMART IRB?
The University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMass Amherst) is a participating institution of Smart IRB and this reliance method can only be utilized with other SMART IRB participating institutions. Any UMass Amherst researcher has the ability to propose the use of SMART IRB for their research study. A list of collaborators using SMART IRB is available on the Smart IRB participating institution website.
How do I request that the UMass Amherst IRB be the "IRB of Record"?
- Request access to the SMART IRB Online Reliance System.
- Complete the reliance request online using SMART IRB's Online Reliance System.
- In the SMART IRB reliance request, list the following:
- Reviewing IRB – select UMass Amherst as the “Reviewing IRB”;
- Relying sites – enter the name of each relying institution;
- Study personnel at each site (if that individual is a student at a university, they should be listed as the site PI if they are the only person from that institution who will be collaborating);
- Procedures that will take place at each site;
- The UMass Amherst IRB protocol number in the reliance request description.
- Attach relevant documents for review (detailed protocol, consent form, etc.).
Since you are requesting to have external institutions rely on the UMass Amherst IRB’s review, select UMass Amherst as the Reviewing IRB. Under Sites Involved in the Research, list the external institution(s). When you submit the reliance request, it will route first to the UMass Amherst IRB office for review and then to each relying institution’s IRB for review. When all sites have agreed to rely, you will receive an email from the SMART system documenting that reliance has been reached. This must be retained in your regulatory binder.
If you need technical assistance with the SMART system, please contact @email. If you have questions about how to complete a reliance request, please contact @email.