WCG IRB traces its roots to the founding of the Western Institutional Review Board (WIRB) in 1968, the world’s first independent ethical review board. In 2020, after integrating WIRB with four leading independent IRBs — Copernicus Group IRB, New England IRB, Aspire IRB, and Midlands IRB – WCG IRB remains the unrivaled leader in providing the highest quality ethical review. Recognized as the gold standard of human subject protection, WCG IRB is a trusted partner to more than 3,100 research institutions in the United States. These organizations range from small community hospitals and research sites to large academic medical centers and universities. With ten individual AAHRPP-accredited panels, nearly 200 experienced board members, and more than 50 years of experience in protocol and study-related review, WCG IRB brings more expertise to the industry than any other ethical solutions provider.