Review of Research by the Western Institutional Review Board (WIRB)
The Health Sciences Institutional Review Boards (HS IRBs) have contracted with a well-known and widely used commercial IRB, the Western IRB (WIRB), for the review of the majority of industry-sponsored research studies which are not investigator-initiated. As of May 1, 2008, industry-sponsored protocols, with some exceptions, will be reviewed by WIRB instead of the HS IRBs.
When using the WIRB your contact within the HS IRBs Office is the Commercial IRB Specialist. The Commercial IRB Specialist is the UW-Madison research team’s liaison between the HS IRBs Office and WIRB and can provide guidance regarding the preparation of submissions for WIRB and their submission.
Commercial IRB Specialist
Colette Wagner
608-262-7544
caw@medicine.wisc.edu
Health Sciences IRBs
Office, VA Hospital, Room B3063
Which research studies are likely to qualify for submission to WIRB?
Any industry-sponsored study that does NOT meet any of the following criteria can qualify for submission to WIRB:
- Research that involves any federal funds
- Research that is investigator-initiated
- Phase I studies (including I/II, Ib or similar studies)
- Research involving the Meriter Hospital or Madison VA
- Research involving embryonic stem cells, gene transfer or xenotransplantation
- Research conducted by trainees or students
How do I request submission to WIRB?
Currently, only the Commercial IRB Specialist within the HS IRBs Office can submit a new study, changes of protocol, or continuing reviews to WIRB. Please submit the WIRB Worksheet to the Commercial IRB Specialist to initiate submission to WIRB. The Commercial IRB Specialist evaluates the WIRB Worksheet and informs the research team whether the study can be sent to WIRB review.
Topics of Interest for Research Team Working with WIRB
(Click on the topic for detailed helpful comments and directions)
- Assignment of Protocol and Tracking Numbers by the UW-Madison HSIRBs and WIRB
- Billing Information, Processes, and the Application
- Certificates of Training
- Clinical Trials Agreement Assurance of Non-Conflict
- Consent Template Officially Approved by UW-Madison HSIRBs/WIRB
- Communication Path with the Research Group/HSIRBs/WIRB
- Conflict of Interest (COI)
- Electronic Submission
- File Naming Conventions
- Helpful Consent Label for Expirations
- How to Do Small Demographic Changes
- Important Facts to Remember
- Language Translation and Working with the WIRB
- Process Flow Chart
- Scientific Review
- Special Requirements for Working in the CTRC
- Who is My IRB of Record?
- WIRB Worksheet Form
- 1572 Form and the WIRB
Presentations: Use of WIRB by UW-Madison Research Team