What is a remote IRB?

A Remote IRB, or Institutional Review Board, is a committee that reviews and approves research involving human subjects, but operates remotely rather than in a traditional onsite setting. Remote IRBs allow members to conduct reviews, meetings, and communications online, making the process more flexible and accessible for institutions and researchers across different locations. This setup is especially valuable for multi-site studies or organizations without their own IRB, as it streamlines ethical oversight while ensuring compliance with federal and institutional guidelines.