Welcome back to MicroLearning Mondays, our biweekly series of bite-sized research administration trainings brought to you by the Department of Contracts and Grants.
This week’s topic: Single IRB at USC: What Every PI Needs to Know
Why It Matters: Federal sponsors such as NIH now require the use of a Single IRB (sIRB) for most multi-site human subjects studies, making it essential to understand when and how USC can serve in this role. Properly navigating the reliance process ensures compliance, prevents costly delays, and keeps protocols consistent across sites. By planning ahead, investigators can streamline study start-up and avoid rework that jeopardizes funding or timelines.
In This Video, You’ll Learn:
What a Single IRB (sIRB) is and why it is required for federally funded, multi-site research.
When USC IRB will and will not serve as the sIRB, including the four-site maximum and restrictions on international or exempt studies.
How to plan grant budgets to account for IRB costs, including when external IRBs are required.
The step-by-step USC sIRB process, from initial confirmation with the Reliance Team through site approvals and amendments.
The PI’s responsibilities in leading a multi-site study, including compliance oversight, document submission, and communication with all relying sites.
👉 Watch Single IRB at USC: What Every PI Needs to Know
Questions or Feedback?
We’re here to help! For anything related to MicroLearning Mondays, please reach out to Noah Congelliere in the Department of Contracts and Grants.