The Western Institutional Review Board (WIRB) was founded in 1968 to provide human subject protection in research. Over the years, we have expanded our services to meet the ever-changing needs of the global research community. Today, WIRB offers review services for more than 400 institutions, all major sponsors, most Contract Research Organizations (CROs), coordinating groups, and individual investigators—in all 50 states and around the world.

Our Mission

The Mission of the Western Institutional Review Board is to Protect the Rights and Welfare of the Human Research Subject.

To accomplish our mission, we strive to:

• Ensure that the risks of scientific advancement shall never outweigh the value of human life.
• Follow our traditions while embracing new technologies and practices.
• Maintain appropriate ethical conduct and regulatory compliance.
• Honor our hallmark of respect for all persons.
• Engage in a continuing quest for excellence.

IRB Services

Regulatory requirements, multi-site coordination, institutional needs—there are many complexities that can slow down research. With our unparalleled regulatory expertise and experience, WIRB can manage these complexities and ensure your research gets a thorough review quickly.

Clinical Pharmacology Unit Services

The clock is always ticking for clinical pharmacology research. WIRB’s Clinical Pharmacology Unit Services division is set up to respond quickly for fast and thorough review of Phase 1 studies and beyond.

Institutional Biosafety Committee Services

Safe storage, handling, and disposal of gene-modified, biohazardous materials—these issues are among the many challenges for investigators and sponsors of research involving recombinant DNA. WIRB’s Institutional Biosafety Committee Services (IBCS) can help your team navigate this complicated process and protect the safety of staff, communities, and the environment.

Education and Consulting

Improve your ability to maintain compliance and protect human subjects with guidance from our experienced educators and consultants. We offer a wide array of training, consulting, and staffing services for investigators, institutions, and sponsors. WIRB can help you write your protocol or your consent form, provide regulatory support for local IRBs, and deliver insights about IBCS issues.

Global Services

With review experience in more than 70 countries, including Canada, WIRB can help you meet all the logistical, cultural, and regulatory challenges of international research. If you are planning an international study, WIRB’s established international network and deep knowledge of global regulations and cultural sensitivities can help pave the way for a compliant review around the globe.