Welcome to the
The Operating Room Global Institutional Review Board (TORG-IRB) Proposal Submission Portal
The Operating Room Global (TORG) Institutional Review Board (TORG-IRB) is an independent body established to ensure that all research conducted under TORG upholds the highest standards of ethics, integrity, and accountability. The TORG-IRB is officially registered with the U.S. Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP):
IORG Number: IORG0012466
IRB Number: IRB00014742
Federalwide Assurance (FWA) Number: FWA00035510
These registrations position TORG as an internationally recognized platform for ethically sound research involving human participants, clinical trials, and invasive procedures.
The TORG-IRB provides ethical oversight for multi-country, multi-institutional projects and ensures compliance with internationally accepted research frameworks, including the Declaration of Helsinki and CIOMS guidelines. Its mission is to safeguard the rights and welfare of human participants, particularly those from vulnerable populations, while supporting innovation, collaboration, and scholarly excellence in global surgery and allied health research.
Through its work, the TORG-IRB:
- Strengthens the credibility and integrity of all TORG research activities.
- Ensures adherence to internationally recognized ethical standards.
- Enhances protection for human subjects worldwide.
- Builds trust among partners, collaborators, and communities.
- Creates opportunities for global collaborations, publications, and research training.
- Positions TORG as a leader in ethical research governance in global surgery.
The TORG-IRB reflects our unwavering commitment to advancing responsible and impactful research that addresses global health challenges while prioritizing human dignity and ethical responsibility.
TORG-IRB Research Ethics Submission Guidelines
The TORG Institutional Review Board (TORG-IRB) provides independent ethical review and oversight for research conducted under The Operating Room Global and its affiliated partners.
All research involving human participants, identifiable data, or ethical considerations conducted under TORG must receive prior IRB approval before commencement.
The IRB has jurisdiction over:
- Research led by TORG leaders, members, fellows, or partners
- Multinational and multi-site studies conducted within TORG chapters
- Studies involving vulnerable populations
- Partner-led research conducted under TORG collaboration
- Research submitted under the TORG Global Research Fellowship Programme
Required Documents for Submission
Applicants must fill out the online application form below and upload the following documents online prior to submission of the application.
- Full research proposal (including objectives, methodology, and ethical considerations)
- Cover Letter to the TORG-IRB, explaining detailed study protocol
- Participant Information Sheet and Informed Consent documents (where applicable)
- Data collection tools (e.g., questionnaires, interview guides, case report forms)
- Institutional cover letter or local site permissions (if applicable)
- Review protocol and search strategy (for systematic reviews/meta-analyses)
Incomplete submissions may delay review.
Submission Process
All applications must be submitted via the official online TORG-IRB submission portal.
Do not submit proposals via email.
Submissions sent directly to the IRB email will be redirected to complete the online form to ensure proper tracking and documentation.
Click Here to Submit Your IRB Application Online
Review Timeline
- Proposals must be submitted at least 15 days prior to the intended start date.
- Administrative screening is conducted upon receipt.
- Standard review timeline is 14-21 days, depending on the level of review required.
- Expedited reviews may be conducted where applicable.
- Continuing review is required for studies extending beyond their approval period.
Review Categories
Applications are reviewed under one of the following categories:
- Exempt Review
- Expedited Review
- Full Board Review
- Administrative Review
Decision Outcomes
Following review, proposals may receive one of the following decisions:
- Approved
- Approved with Minor Revisions
- Major Revisions Required
- Deferred
- Disapproved
Researchers will receive formal written notification of the IRB’s decision.
Monitoring and Compliance
Approved research remains subject to:
- Ongoing compliance monitoring
- Reporting of adverse events
- Submission of amendments for protocol changes
- Continuing review where required
Failure to comply with IRB requirements may result in suspension or termination of approval.
Ethical Standards
The TORG-IRB operates in accordance with internationally recognized ethical frameworks, including:
- The Declaration of Helsinki
- The Belmont Report
- CIOMS International Ethical Guidelines
- Applicable national and local regulatory requirements
Confidentiality, conflict of interest management, and impartial review processes are strictly maintained.
Contact Information
For general inquiries (non-submission related), please contact:
JOIN US for the Upcoming TORG–IRB Ethics| 2nd Annual Congress!
Sunday 21 June 2026 | 6:00 pm BST
Theme: Ethical Governance and Integrity in Global Surgical Research
Focus includes ethical principles in global surgical and perioperative research, multispecialty research governance and oversight, and protection of patients, participants, and health data.
Let’s uphold ethical research excellence together.
More details to follow.