Pearl IRB, an Indianapolis-based provider of central IRB review services, has received accreditation by the Association for the Accreditation of Human Research Protection Programs (AAHRPP). Pearl IRB earned this distinction in December 2014 by demonstrating extensive safeguards in all levels of the research operations and abiding by high standards of excellence for all research.

Pearl IRB has joined a group of 23 commercial-independent IRB’s who hold this designation. Additionally, Pearl IRB joins Indiana University as just the second AAHRPP-accredited organization in the state of Indiana.

“This accreditation validates our commitment to high quality research processes and organizational excellence,” said Diana Caldwell, Pearl IRB’s president and CEO. Pearl IRB is further differentiated by being one of only five AAHRPP accredited, commercial-independent IRB’s to also receive WBENC (Women’s Business Enterprise National Council) certification as a Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE).

To date, there are more than 200 AAHRPP-accredited organizations in 46 states and 10 different countries. AAHRPP promotes high-quality research through an accreditation process that helps organizations worldwide strengthen their human research protection programs (HRPPs).

To earn AAHRPP accreditation, Pearl IRB completed a voluntary, peer-driven process and provided tangible evidence through policies, procedures and practices of its commitment to scientifically and ethically sound research and to continuous improvement. Historically, this process can take years to complete—Pearl IRB moved from phase I submission to accredited in just six months.