Does my institution need an IRB to join?

Applies to: Agreement V3.0

No. An institution without an IRB can join SMART IRB in order to rely on the IRBs of other Participating Institutions for research it is engaged in. It cannot provide IRB review for others.

One practical point: if your institution normally relies on another institution's IRB, and you want that IRB to review SMART IRB studies on your behalf, that institution must also be a Participating Institution.

See also - What are the eligibility criteria? - Affiliates, FWAs, and who has to join