How can you resolve conflicts between researchers and IRBs?

2 Communicate clearly and respectfully

The second step to resolving conflicts with IRBs is to communicate clearly and respectfully. Communication is key to building trust and rapport with the IRB members and staff. You should communicate your research objectives, methods, and rationale in a clear, concise, and coherent manner, and address any questions or concerns that the IRB may have. You should also respect the IRB's feedback and decisions, and avoid being defensive, hostile, or dismissive. If you disagree with the IRB's comments or suggestions, you should explain your reasons and provide evidence or arguments to support your position. You should also be open to compromise and negotiation, and seek to find a mutually acceptable solution that meets both the IRB's standards and your research goals.

3 Seek guidance and support

The third step to resolving conflicts with IRBs is to seek guidance and support. Conflicts with IRBs can be stressful and frustrating, and you may feel isolated or overwhelmed by the situation. You do not have to deal with it alone. You can seek guidance and support from various sources, such as your mentor, supervisor, colleagues, peers, or professional associations. They can offer you advice, insights, or referrals that can help you understand the IRB's perspective, improve your research proposal, or resolve the conflict. You can also seek guidance and support from the IRB itself, by contacting the IRB chair, coordinator, or liaison, who can clarify the IRB's expectations, provide additional feedback, or facilitate the resolution process.

4 Learn from the experience

The fourth step to resolving conflicts with IRBs is to learn from the experience. Conflicts with IRBs are not necessarily negative or harmful, but rather opportunities for learning and improvement. You can learn from the experience by reflecting on the causes, consequences, and outcomes of the conflict, and identifying what you did well, what you could have done better, and what you can do differently in the future. You can also learn from the experience by soliciting feedback from the IRB, your mentor, or your peers, and incorporating their suggestions into your research practice. By learning from the experience, you can enhance your research skills, ethics, and quality, and avoid or minimize future conflicts with IRBs.

5 Appreciate the IRB's contribution

The fifth step to resolving conflicts with IRBs is to appreciate their contribution. IRBs play a vital role in ensuring that research involving human subjects is conducted in a respectful, responsible, and ethical manner. They protect the rights and welfare of the research participants, as well as the reputation and integrity of the researchers and the institutions. They also contribute to the advancement of knowledge and the improvement of society by facilitating and supporting high-quality and innovative research. By appreciating the IRB's contribution, you can acknowledge their value and importance, express your gratitude and respect, and foster a positive and productive relationship with them.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?