HEART Program (Human Ethics And Research Training)
The HEART program simplifies ethical training for researchers, ensuring compliance with Institutional Review Board (IRB) requirements. Ethical training is made simple with HEART, equipping researchers with the knowledge and tools to protect human subjects while maintaining the highest standards of integrity.
The IRB Heart Edge
Lead in Ethical Research: Simplified, High-Quality Training at Its Best.
Smart Cost-Effective Training
Get certified with top-tier programs designed to deliver excellence at a price that won’t break the bank. Quality training, unbeatable value.
Your Pace, Your Progress
No rush, no pressure. Our certification allows you to move forward at your own pace, making it easier to balance training with your other commitments.
Our Commitment
Pioneering Research Excellence with HEART
Elite Ethical Research Training
Crafted by the foremost experts in the field, our comprehensive modules ensure researchers don’t just understand ethics—they live it, embedding the highest standards into every aspect of human subjects research.
Certification and Compliance, Perfected
Earn your certification with a program trusted by institutions nationwide. Our training not only meets institutional and federal regulations but sets a new benchmark for ethical research practices.
Expertise in Data Management & Participant Protection
Leverage the knowledge of industry leaders to master best practices in data management and participant protection, ensuring your research is both ethically sound and methodologically robust.

About us
Leading the Way in Ethical Research
IRB HEART is your trusted partner in ethical research. With decades of experience and a team of top industry experts—recognized by the Inc. 500 in 2009—we’re dedicated to setting the gold standard in research ethics. We’ve been committed to ensuring researchers uphold the highest standards of integrity and safety in their work for years.
Comprehensive Ethical Training
Our training modules are designed to give you everything you need to navigate the complex world of human subjects research. Crafted by the best in the field, these modules ensure you’re fully equipped to protect your subjects and maintain ethical excellence.
Integrity at Our Core
Integrity drives everything we do. Our H.E.A.R.T. Certification (Human Ethics And Research Training) program is specifically tailored for researchers like you—those who are committed to meeting and exceeding ethical standards while ensuring the safety and dignity of research participants.


Our Impact in Research Ethics
With over 18 years of experience in Institutional Review Board (IRB) processes and ethical research practices, IRB HEART has become a trusted leader in the field of research ethics. Our deep-rooted knowledge and unwavering commitment to integrity have empowered countless researchers to conduct studies that not only meet but exceed ethical standards.
Years of IRB Experience
Researchers Trained
How it works
Your Path to Certification
1
Enroll in a Course
Select the course that aligns with your research area. Our Biomedical Research course addresses the ethical standards required for clinical and laboratory work. In contrast, the Social Science Research course focuses on the ethical challenges in studying human behavior and societies. Enrolling is straightforward, enabling you to begin your path to ethical research excellence promptly.
2
Access our Training
Once enrolled, you can access your training modules at your convenience. Our online platform is designed to accommodate your schedule, allowing you to learn at your own pace, whether your focus is on Biomedical or Social Science Research.
3
Get Certified
Upon successful completion, you will receive a certification that underscores your commitment to ethical integrity in research. For Biomedical researchers, this certification emphasizes compliance with medical and clinical standards, while Social Science researchers are recognized for adhering to ethical practices within their discipline.
Our Training Programs

Principal Investigator Training – Social Science
This course is for researchers involved in Social Science Research i.e. the study of human behavior, societies, and cultural dynamics. It equips Principal Investigators (PIs), Co-Principal Investigators (Co-PIs), and senior research personnel with the knowledge to lead ethical, responsible, and impactful studies in these areas.
What is Social Science Research?
Social Science Research includes disciplines such as psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, and political science. It often involves methodologies like interviews, surveys, observations, and case studies to gather data about individuals, communities, and societal structures. If your research focuses on these types of studies, this course is for you.
Key Focus
The training emphasizes ethical conduct and compliance within social science research, ensuring that your studies adhere to the highest standards of integrity and respect for research participants.
Who Should Enroll?
This course is ideal for:
Principal Investigators (PIs), Co-Principal Investigators (Co-PIs), and senior researchers leading social science research activities.
Individuals taking part in research involving vulnerable populations, informed consent, and managing participant confidentiality.
Researchers overseeing projects that require strict adherence to IRB standards and ethical guidelines in fields like psychology, sociology, anthropology, and political science.

Principal Investigator Training – Biomedical Research
This course is specifically designed for researchers involved in the study of biomedical sciences. It equips Principal Investigators (PIs), Co-Principal Investigators (Co-PIs), and senior research personnel with the essential knowledge to lead ethical, responsible, and scientifically rigorous studies in this field.
What is Biomedical Research?
This research focuses on understanding health and disease, involving disciplines such as medicine, pharmacology, genetics, and clinical trials. This research often includes methodologies like lab experiments, clinical trials, and biomedical imaging to investigate biological processes and develop new treatments. If your research involves these areas, this course is for you.
Key Focus
The training emphasizes ethical conduct and compliance within biomedical research, ensuring that your studies adhere to the highest standards of integrity and respect for research participants.
Who Should Enroll?
This course is ideal for:
Principal Investigators (PIs), Co-Principal Investigators (Co-PIs), and senior researchers leading clinical trials or laboratory studies.
Those responsible for FDA compliance, IRB protocols, Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines, or managing human participant safety.
Researchers involved in drug development, medical device testing, or genetic research, who need to navigate the complex ethical and regulatory landscapes of biomedical science.
Testimonials from Certified Researchers
“I really appreciated being able to finish the certification at my own pace. No pressure, just solid learning whenever I had the time.”
E.S.
“I was surprised by how affordable the course was, especially given the top-notch quality. It didn’t feel like we were cutting any corners at all.”
M.D.
“I never expected the certification process to be so fast and efficient. It fit perfectly into my schedule, and I still felt like I got everything I needed.”
S.J.

Need an Independent IRB?
Our sister company, BeyondBound, delivers expert Independent IRB support with a proactive, researcher-focused approach. By working directly with you, they eliminate obstacles and provide a clear, collaborative path to approval.
With transparent pricing and tailored services, BeyondBound ensures efficient, high-quality support at every step. Backed by a network of affiliated companies, they don’t just review your research—they guide you to success, turning challenges into triumphs and transforming your approval process into a reality.
Frequently asked questions
Got questions? We’ve got answers! Check out the most common inquiries about our ethical research training and certification process.
How long does it take to complete a course?
Our courses are designed to be efficient! Most participants complete the training in about 5 hours, but the exact time can vary depending on your pace.
What does your training programs include?
Our programs include comprehensive modules covering all the essentials of ethical research, from regulatory requirements to best practices for participant protection. You’ll get interactive lessons, case studies, and all the resources you need to succeed..
Can I complete the training at my own pace?
Absolutely! Our courses are flexible, so you can start, pause, and resume the training whenever it suits you. Learn at your own pace, on your schedule.
What are the technical requirements to take the course?
All you need is a computer or tablet with internet access. Our platform is user-friendly and works on most modern browsers, so you’re good to go!