Updated IRB Review Fees Effective July 1st (Non-sIRB studies) and October 1st (New sIRB studies)

What is Happening?

The IRB is implementing the following fee-related changes:

  • IRB review fees will increase on July 1, 2024.
  • Multi-site studies subject to sIRB oversight by UCSF IRB will be charged review fees starting October 1, 2024. Note: This only applies to new sIRB studies submitted for initial IRB review on/after October 1.

Why Must Fees Be Increased at This Time?

The IRB’s current fee structure does not sufficiently cover the escalating operating expenses involved in carrying out IRB reviews. Since the last fee adjustment in 2021, an additional review panel was formed in response to a need, and the IRB office has been managing Federally funded sIRB submissions at no cost to the study team. These services are not sustainable without additional revenue.

What Types of Studies are Subject to IRB Review Fees?

What Types of IRB Submissions are Affected by the New Fee Structure?

IRB review fees will increase for the following types of reviews for Full Committee and Expedited studies:

  • New studies
  • Continuing reviews
  • Modifications, Personnel Changes, Enrollment Exceptions, and Adding Relying Sites
  • Requests to rely on an external IRB

See the updated Fee Schedule for details. The “IRB FY25 Updated Fees” document provides a more detailed explanation about why the fees are being increased, including data on work volume and operating costs.