What is Institutional Review Board (IRB)?
An Institutional Review Board (IRB) is an independent committee that reviews research involving people to ensure it is ethical and that participants are protected. It assesses risks, consent processes and data handling before a study can proceed.
An IRB (also called a research ethics committee, research ethics board or human research ethics committee in some countries) reviews projects that involve human participants to make sure the work meets ethical and legal standards. The board looks at who will be recruited, how informed consent will be obtained, how privacy and sensitive data will be protected, and whether risks to participants are minimized. Many universities, hospitals and funders require IRB approval before research begins, although routine public service activities, quality improvement or anonymous routine feedback may not always need formal review. Rules and names vary by jurisdiction, so local guidance should be checked.
Usage example
Before running a multilingual survey asking residents about their health service experiences, the team submitted a protocol, translated consent text and recruitment materials to their IRB to confirm the study met ethical standards and that translations conveyed the same meaning as the original.
Practical application
For people collecting survey responses, IRB review matters because it protects participants and reduces legal and reputational risk. An IRB will check that consent language is clear, that vulnerable groups are considered, and that data storage and access are appropriate. For multilingual surveys, IRBs may require certified or reviewed translations of consent and questionnaire text so participants truly understand what they are agreeing to. Knowing whether a project needs IRB review also affects timelines — some low-risk surveys qualify for expedited review or are considered exempt, while others require full board review.
FAQ
Do I always need IRB approval to run a survey?
Not always. Routine public consultations, anonymous service feedback, or internal quality improvement work may be exempt in many jurisdictions. Research intended to produce generalisable knowledge, sensitive-topic surveys, or projects involving vulnerable populations usually require IRB review. Check your organisation's policies and local regulations.
How long does IRB approval take?
Time varies: some IRBs offer expedited review for low-risk projects and can respond in days or weeks; full-board review for higher-risk studies may take several weeks to months. Preparing complete materials — protocol, consent forms and translated text — speeds the process.
What does an IRB pay attention to for multilingual surveys?
IRBs will want to see that consent and survey materials are accurately translated and culturally appropriate, that participants can meaningfully understand risks and benefits in their language, and that translation quality control is in place (for example, back-translation or reviewer sign-off). They may also review recruitment methods across languages to ensure no group is excluded or coerced.