National Research Center Institutional Review Board (NRCIRB)

In May 2004, National Research Center, Inc. (NRC) opened its IRB to social science researchers and evaluators including those engaged in non-invasive public health studies for which human subjects must be protected. The mission of the NRCIRB is to help applicants to keep their research participants physically and emotionally safe. The IRB will enhance subject safety by recommending ways to clarify to subjects their potential risks of participation and their options to decline.

The NRCIRB offers high quality, rapid response to researchers seeking guidance for and approval of protocols for studies of adults, youth or at-risk populations whether or not funding agencies require such a review.

NRC is a full service social science research firm specializing in program evaluation and survey research. The staff of NRC and its IRB board members recognize the importance of human subjects research and know that conscientious board response requires balance. NRCIRB board members endorse the importance of defending the safety and quality of life of people willing to participate in research and at the same time appreciate the need for protecting the inquiry process itself. Because good, responsible science is required to help improve the human condition, we weigh the needs for scientific inquiry with the needs to protect the human subjects.