What is PCORI’s stance on use of a single or central Institutional Review Board (IRB)?

Currently, PCORI does not have an Institutional Review Board (IRB) Policy, nor do we require investigators' to adhere to a single or central IRB approach. Note however that if multiple sites are involved in a research application, PCORI expects applicants to demonstrate the likelihood of successful site collaboration, which could include IRB reciprocity or the use of a central IRB. Beyond this, PCORI follows the Federal Policy for the Protection of Human Subjects (45 CFR part 46), including the Common Rule.

More information on protection of human subjects can be found in our posted PCORI Funding Announcements (PFAs) and Submission Instructions.