What is Multi-Site/Collaborative Research?
Ferris Investigators conducting collaborative research--that is, research involving Ferris State University and one or more organization, institution
or agency other than Ferris — should contact the IRB office when collaborative research is being planned. At
times, FSU may rely on the IRB of another institution or organization; alternatively,
the external site IRB may agree to rely upon the Ferris IRB. Ferris State University
will determine reliance on a case-by-case basis where a site reliance agreement is
not already in place with the organization.
If the external site does not have an IRB, a letter of permission may be required. Review our IRB Guidance on Obtaining Letters of Permission and/or watch our Educational Video Session: Obtaining Site Permission
Sites with Established IRB Reliance Agreements
Ferris has a reliance agreement in place with Sparrow Health System IRB in which Sparrow IRB relies upon the review and determination of Ferris IRB. For projects involving Sparrow Health, a full application should be submitted to the Ferris IRB via Cayuse IRB; Sparrow Health Institutional processes and procedures still need to be followed.
Ferris has reliance agreements in place with the following sites in which the Ferris State University IRB relies upon their IRB review:
- Trinity Health West Michigan Regional IRB
includes Trinity Health Grand Rapids and Trinity Health Muskegon - Metro Health/University of Michigan Health-West IRB
- Munson Medical Center IRB
- Corewell Health in West Michigan IRB (excludes Lakeland site)
previously Spectrum Health System IRB - Western Michigan University Homer Styker M.D. School of Medicine (WMed IRB)
includes Ascension Borgess Hospital, Bronson Healthcare Group, Grace Health, and W.E. Upjohn Unemployment Trustee Corporation
For projects involving one of the above sites, the IRB process and procedures at that site should be followed. A brief application to the Ferris IRB via Cayuse IRB should also be submitted and include:
- CITI Training records for all Ferris investigators
- the IRB application that was submitted and reviewed by the site IRB
- Site IRB approval letter
Ferris IRB will then issue a formal letter indicating the reliance is effective for
the project.
See screenshot from the Cayuse IRB application below for guidance on how to complete
this section.
Contact [email protected] with any questions.