We recently published a blog post about institutional review board (IRB) approvals, which are a necessary part of every research study/evaluation that includes human subjects. Based on recent experience, Khulisa evaluators provided several tips for how to put together a successful IRB application and implement an IRB protocol over the course of a project.
Last week’s IRB tip was about planning ahead. This week’s tip is: Be aware of costs.
There are many different types of IRB institutions, including university institutions, private institutions, and government institutions. University IRB approvals are more affordable than private approvals, and university approvals might even be free if the study is taking place within that university. (As a private company, Khulisa usually has to pay for university IRB approvals.) But obtaining IRB approval through a private institution may cost quite a bit more than a public institution.
Khulisa’s Schools2030 project, which involves data collection with school children in ten different countries, required a private, international IRB, as well as ethical approvals in each individual country. Each of these approvals had costs associated with them, and our project team had to plan for those costs. Be sure to do the same when budgeting for an IRB approval.
Keep an eye out for more IRB #EvalTuesdayTips in the coming weeks.
