Reasons for IRB Delays
The following are the most common issues that can lead to IRB application delays. Avoid these to ensure timely processing of your application and quicker approval.
- Not following the instructions in the application or on the IRB webpage
- Not providing required attachments (e.g., informed consent form, survey instruments, questionnaires, etc.)
- Not following the current UCR Informed Consent Guide
- Including inconsistent information between the IRB application and the consent form
- Not describing the plan for storing sensitive research data
- Not describing an adequate plan for documenting the informed consent process in research notes
- Not providing information that is requested after review
- Not writing consent forms in the second person (e.g. correct format: “You are invited to be a part of a study…”)
- Misunderstanding the federal definition of Minimal Risk research
- Providing incomplete grant or funding information
- Failing to provide letters of permission (access letters) from external sites involved in the research
- Not completing the Human Subjects Protection Course for all those involved in the research
- Forgetting to provide names or signatures on the last page of the application
- Grammar or spelling errors
- Submitting the application before contacting the IRB office to discuss research ethics issues
For more information, contact irb@ucr.edu or visit the IRB webpage.