Institutional Review Board (IRB)

The role of the Institutional Review Board (IRB) is vital in human research, and its impact is not limited to research only; it also has long-term benefits in evidence-based society development. Bangladesh Institute of Innovative Health Research-BIIHR, a nonprofit, nonpolitical, and voluntary organization, works in several areas in public health. The establishment and operation of the IRB is one of its signatory works. Very recently, the IRB received accreditation from the Office of Human Research Protections (OHRP) (OHRP: IRB00014414). 

Enhancing scientific rigor and ethical integrity in society was the aim of this IRB, and the IRB complies with the local ethical standards prescribed by the government of the WHO and other relevant international bodies, e.g. World Health Organization (WHO) and U.S. Department of Health & Human Services and others. The IRB has a full panel of experts comprising public health specialists, specialist clinicians, subject experts, religious representatives and relevant persons. A number of learned reviewers were also enlisted to support this platform. 

If you are interested to submit your protocol/research proposal related to human research, please submit your protocol/research proposal to the following address: 

To: irb@biihr-bd.org

Submission requirements:

Four documents need to be submitted along with the protocol/research proposal:

• Full protocol/Research Proposal (One can follow standard format of the protocol e.g. BMRC protocol etc.)

• Consent form in Bengali and in English

• Questionnaires

• Fill-up the ethical review declaration form (https://forms.gle/Qvtk6McLLYUjFgA67)

In addition, one can add relevant supporting documents. On the other hand, BIIHR reserve the right to demand necessary documentation based on the merits of the protocol/research proposal.

IRB submission fee:

As the Bangladesh Institute of Innovative Health Research is a nonprofit voluntary organization, it claims a minimal charge to operate the organizational activities. Submit the IRB submission fee of 2000 BDT via Bkash Send Money to +8801845995628

Processing time:

We evaluated all of the submitted protocols//research proposals on a periodic basis and in a regular fashion. Upon submission, our IRB team will review your application and provide you with an update within 7-14 days. We are committed to supporting ethical and impactful research.

For more information or assistance, please contact us at irb@biihr-bd.org