STAR IRB — Institutional Review Board
Rigorous ethical oversight for social, behavioural, public health and developmental research conducted in India. Registered with the Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Why OHRP Registration Matters for Your Research
Compliance with U.S. Federal Policy for Protection of Human Subjects (Common Rule / 45 CFR 46)
Recognised by NIH, CDC, USAID and other U.S. federal funding agencies for India-based research
Accepted by international journals requiring IRB approval for publication
Enables collaboration with U.S. universities and global research institutions
Adherence to international ethical standards — Belmont Report, Declaration of Helsinki, ICMR
Full Board Review
Comprehensive review for research involving greater than minimal risk — including sensitive populations, health interventions, HIV/AIDS studies, reproductive health, and child welfare research.
Expedited Review
Streamlined review process for minimal-risk social and behavioural research including surveys, interviews, focus groups, secondary data analysis and programme evaluations.
Exempt Determination
Formal determination of exempt status for research involving publicly available data, anonymised information, educational testing, or routine programme assessments.
Protocol Development
Expert assistance in developing research protocols, informed consent documents, participant information sheets and ethical justification narratives aligned with OHRP and ICMR standards.
Continuing Review & Amendments
Annual continuing review of ongoing studies, amendment reviews for protocol modifications, and adverse event / unanticipated problem reporting and assessment.
International Research Ethics
Ethical review for research funded by U.S. federal agencies, bilateral/multilateral organisations (UNICEF, UNFPA, USAID etc.) requiring federally registered IRB approval in India.
Vulnerable Population Review
Specialist review for research involving children, pregnant women, prisoners, people with disabilities, tribal communities, and other vulnerable groups requiring enhanced protections.
Research Ethics Training
Training programs for researchers, field teams, and institutional staff on research ethics, informed consent, data privacy, responsible conduct of research, and OHRP/ICMR compliance.
Monitoring & QA
Post-approval monitoring of approved studies, site visit support, data safety monitoring, and quality assurance reviews to ensure ongoing ethical compliance.
IRB Review Process
Protocol Submission
Submit research protocol, consent forms, and supporting documents via email or in person.
Initial Screening
IRB office screens submission for completeness and assigns review category.
Ethical Review
Full board or expedited review by IRB members with relevant expertise.
Decision & Approval
Approval letter issued with conditions (if any). Study may proceed upon receipt.
Ongoing Oversight
Annual renewal, amendments, and adverse event reporting throughout study duration.
Ready to submit your protocol?
Contact STAR IRB at info@starfoundation.in or +91 98102 50257. We work with researchers, NGOs, government agencies and international organisations.