Phil and I did not expect to hear IRB horror stories over our exhibit table at the recent American Evaluation Association conference, but that’s exactly what happened.
“Yeah, and then when we got the invoice they’d just … added a line for closing the project?!! You know how tight our budget is. We had to move money around, our partner was pissed, and we had to reconsider if we could continue using an IRB for our projects – and we really want to!”
It’s the stuff that evaluators’ and researchers’ nightmares are made of. And we heard stories like this from multiple people!
There are a lot of IRBs out there and picking one can feel overwhelming—especially if you’re doing community-based or evaluation research and haven’t worked with one before. And choosing the wrong IRB can be a costly, demoralizing mistake!
Asking the right questions can make all the difference. Let’s break it down so you can find an IRB that works for you, your project, and your budget.
Does the IRB Know Evaluation, Community-Based and/or Applied Research?
Not all IRBs are created equal, especially when it comes to projects that are rooted in the community or are evaluation oriented (i.e., not academic research). Ask about their experience with studies like yours:
- Have they worked with folks doing program evaluations or community-based research?
- Do they understand the unique ethical and practical challenges of this kind of research?
An IRB with the right expertise will give you feedback that actually makes sense for your project.
How Transparent Is Their Process?
Ever feel like research processes are full of mystery and red tape? You don’t need that kind of stress with your IRB. Ask how they handle communication:
- How frequently can you expect to be updated on your submission’s progress?
- Do they explain the steps and timelines clearly?
The right IRB will make things easy to understand, so you’re not left wondering what’s going on.
“Our public health research and evaluation consulting firm has transferred all our projects requiring IRB approval to VIRB. We have used multiple academic, nonprofit, and for-profit IRBs and VIRB stands above them all. We appreciate their pre-submission communication, their simple form and upload requirements, the speed at which they review submissions, and their straightforward pricing structure. They are an excellent IRB solution for small and big independent firms, as well as any other institution looking for fast, competent, thorough reviews of the research projects. Highly recommended!” – Becky Garrow, Garrow Consulting, Inc.
What Do They Charge For?
Money matters, and IRB fees can add up fast. Some charge for everything—project closures, amendments, or even basic changes.
At Viable Insights, we don’t believe in nickel-and-diming you. Our Institutional Review Board (VIRB) keeps things simple: no fees for project closures, PI changes, amendments, or continuations.
When talking to IRBs, ask:
- What’s included in the price?
- You might literally need to ask them “Do you charge for ____________?” because they might not volunteer that information.
You deserve to know exactly what you’re paying for. (Depending on the complexity of your application, VIRB’s fees range from $1,000 – $1,500.)
Will They Actually Get Back to You?
Research moves fast, and waiting forever for IRB responses can throw off your whole timeline. So, ask about their responsiveness:
- How quickly do they reply to emails or questions?
- Is there someone you can talk to if you hit a roadblock?
A responsive IRB is a lifesaver, especially when deadlines are looming.
Do They Provide Personalized Support?
Every research project is different, so cookie-cutter feedback won’t cut it. You want an IRB that takes the time to understand your work and provides advice that fits.
- Do they ask questions about your project?
- Can they help align your methods with ethical standards while keeping things practical?
At VIRB, we specialize in tailoring support to researchers doing evaluation and community-based work. Your project deserves that kind of attention.
Are They Focused on Ethical Oversight, Not Red Tape?
The whole point of an IRB is to protect participants and ensure ethical research, but some seem more interested in adding unnecessary barriers. Ask how they approach ethics:
- Do they understand the community you’re working with?
- Are they balancing ethical rigor with practical guidance?
Look for an IRB that protects your participants without turning the process into an obstacle course.
What Happens If You Need to Make Changes?
Let’s face it—projects evolve. Whether it’s an amendment, a continuation, or a new PI, you need to know how your IRB will handle these changes. Ask:
- What is the amendment process?
- Do they charge extra for amendments, continuations, or a new PI? How much?
- How much longer will it take if you make amendments, etc?
At VIRB, we don’t charge for amendments or continuations, and we keep the process simple so you can adapt without stress.
How Fast Do They Approve Applications?
Time is everything in research. Delays in approval can set your whole project back. When choosing an IRB, ask:
- What’s their average turnaround time?
- Do they have a track record of missing deadlines?
At VIRB, we prioritize efficiency, so you can keep your research moving forward without unnecessary delays. Expedited applications will be reviewed in 7 – 10 days, while full board reviews may take up to 21 days.
Do They Fit Your Budget and Goals?
At the end of the day, your IRB should work for you. That means fitting your budget, aligning with your project’s needs, and making the process as smooth as possible.If you’re looking for an IRB that’s affordable, responsive, and built for evaluators and community-based researchers, Viable Insights’ VIRB might be just what you need!
If you’re interested in learning more, drop us a line and let’s chat!