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Using an External IRB? MSU IRB Reliance Is Still Required

April 3, 2026

MSU faculty, staff, students, and agents conducting human research activities on behalf of Michigan State University (MSU) must obtain one of the following before beginning research:

  • MSU Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval,

  • An MSU IRB exempt determination, or

  • Acknowledgement from the MSU Human Research Protection Program (HRPP) that MSU will rely on an external (non-MSU) IRB.

This requirement applies regardless of whether MSU receives funding for the research.

Research Reviewed by an External IRB

Even if a study has been approved by an external IRB, MSU researchers must still submit a request to the MSU HRPP to rely on the external IRB for review and approval. This request must be submitted even if the external IRB has approved MSU’s involvement in the study.

To request reliance, submit an External IRB request in the MSU IRB online system. The MSU IRB Reliance Office will work with MSU researchers on these requests as needed. Once review of the request is complete, documentation of reliance is finalized, and the External IRB has approved MSU’s involvement and any requested changes to the consent form(s), the MSU HRPP will issue a reliance acknowledgement letter.

MSU researchers may not begin any human research activities until the MSU HRPP reliance acknowledgement letter is received.

Learn More

To learn more, please visit:

Contact

For questions or assistance with IRB reliance, contact the IRB Reliance Office at: ORRS.irbreliance@msu.edu