Institutional Review Board
What is an IRB?
An Institutional Review Board is an independent committee required by federal regulation to review and approve research involving human subjects. IRB oversight ensures that research is conducted ethically, that participants are protected from harm, and that proper informed consent procedures are followed. Any organization conducting research on human subjects (including surveys, assessments, program evaluations, and studies involving user data) may be required to obtain IRB approval.
West Coast Analytics Institutional Review Board
The West Coast Analytics IRB is registered with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and provides independent ethics review for research organizations of all sizes. Unlike most IRBs, which are tied to universities and primarily serve their own institutional researchers, we are a privately owned, independent IRB — which means we can work with any organization, anywhere.
This independence comes with real advantages:
This independence comes with real advantages:
- Faster turnaround. University IRBs operate on academic calendars and committee schedules that can mean weeks or months of waiting. We work at the pace your project requires, with review timelines tailored to your scope and timeline.
- Hands-on guidance. When revisions are needed, we don’t just send a checklist. We work with you to understand what changes are required and why, so you can resubmit with confidence.
- No institutional gatekeeping. You don’t need a university affiliation to work with us. We serve startups, established companies, nonprofits, consortiums, and research-practice partnerships.
- Flexible, tiered pricing. We offer pricing structures designed to meet the needs and budgets of organizations at every stage — from small startups conducting their first study to large organizations managing multiple concurrent projects.
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We specialize in research conducted in educational settings and with educational populations, including K-12 schools, higher education institutions, EdTech companies, and organizations serving learners of all ages.
Our IRB is particularly well-suited for:
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The West Coast Analytics IRB Board brings together a multi-disciplinary team with diverse experience in ethics, law, and scientific research. This breadth of backgrounds allows us to provide thorough, well-rounded protocol reviews that safeguard human participants. Our reviewing board is comprised of:
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Does your research project require an IRB?
Many organizations, especially those developing technology products in the education space, aren’t certain whether their work requires IRB oversight. We offer a complimentary introductory call to help you think through your research activities, understand your obligations, and determine whether IRB review is the right next step. There’s no pressure and no commitment — just clarity.
A Note about AI and Minors
If your product uses AI to collect, analyze, or adapt based on data from users, especially users under 18, you may be subject to human subjects research regulations without realizing it. The consequences of non-compliance can be significant. We can help you assess your obligations and get properly covered.
If your product uses AI to collect, analyze, or adapt based on data from users, especially users under 18, you may be subject to human subjects research regulations without realizing it. The consequences of non-compliance can be significant. We can help you assess your obligations and get properly covered.