Collaborations & IRB Reciprocity
The Wichita State University Institutional Review Board (WSU IRB) is responsible to the federal government for all human subjects research conducted by our faculty, staff or students, regardless of whether it is on our campus or in collaboration with another institution.
Faculty who are collaborating on research outside WSU must obtain approval for their activities before starting work on the project. Previously, IRB approval from each involved institution was required. Recently, however, the federal government has been encouraging arrangements by which collaborative research can be reviewed and approved by one lead IRB when the proper legal agreements are in place. Investigators are encouraged to contact the IRB Office early in the process of establishing their collaboration. We are committed to working with investigators to negotiate a single IRB review whenever feasible.
For minimal risk studies that involve WSU, and/or the University of Kansas School of Medicine – Wichita (KUSM-W) and/or Via Christi please use their IRB electronic submission site and then email the completed forms you submitted to them to IRB@wichita.edu. The IRB Administrator will complete their normal pre-review of the project and determine if the study meets the requirements for reliance. The WSU IRB Administrator will send the PI any questions or updates needed and, once addressed by the PI, will then issue a letter of reliance on the other IRB. From that point forward, the PI does not need to communicate with WSU regarding that project.
Current IRB Reliance Arrangements
Via Christi Regional Medical Center
WSU has a reciprocity agreement with Via Christi Hospitals Wichita, Inc. (VCH-W) Institutional Review Board (IRB) which states the WSU IRB can rely on the review of the Via Christi IRB for minimal risk, cooperative research.
University of Kansas Medical Center / School of Medicine – Wichita
WSU has a reciprocity agreement with University of Kansas Medical Center Human Subjects Committee (KUMC HSC) which states the WSU IRB can rely on the review of the KUMC HSC for minimal risk, cooperative research.
Wesley Medical Center (WMC)/ HCA HealthOne
WSU has a reciprocity agreement with HCA HealthOne, the Institutional Review Board (IRB) for Wesley Medical Center (WMC). This agreement states the WSU IRB can rely on the review of HCA HealthOne IRB for cooperative research.
Master's and doctoral research for distance learners
WSU is responsible for research conducted by our graduate students regardless of where it takes place. WSU distance learners who conduct their master's or doctoral research at their home institution should consult with their advisors and with the IRB Office as the project is being developed. Single IRB review is generally feasible.
Protocol-Specific Arrangements
The KUMC IRB will work collaboratively with other IRBs as needed to develop protocol-specific reliance agreements. Please consult with the IRB office as soon as you identify a need to engage an external IRB.
Research involving community partners
When individuals from non-profit organizations, school districts or community groups serve as study personnel on WSU research, their employers may not typically conduct research and may not have their own IRB. WSU often serves as the IRB in these circumstances. WSU investigators should contact the IRB Office to determine how best to meet the regulatory requirements for our community partners.