VCU Human Research Protection Program (HRPP) Blog

The VCU HRPP is dedicated to facilitating ethically and scientifically sound research through robust review of research projects and through effective education and outreach to the VCU research community.

This is the time of year when we frequently see new faculty, staff, and students arriving at VCU, as well as when others may be retiring or leaving the institution.  With this, we would like to take a moment to remind all researchers of actions that are required when key personnel engaged in IRB-approved protocols separate from VCU. 

If you, or a member of your study team, will be separating, please ensure all appropriate steps (as outlined below) have been taken for any human subjects research protocols in which the separating member is involved. 

For Principal Investigators and/or Medically Responsible Investigators:

Principal Investigators and Medically Responsible Investigators leaving VCU are responsible for taking appropriate steps on all active studies prior to separating. 

If you are a Principal Investigator or Medically Responsible Investigator on a study, and will be separating employment, please ensure the procedures outlined below are followed*: 

  • If a study is to remain open after your separation, submit an amendment in RAMS-IRB to request a change in PI (or Medically Responsible Investigator, if applicable) for each protocol. This includes updating the PI information on both the Study Identification page and the Personnel page of the study’s smartform. 
  • If the PI intends to close a study upon separation, submit a study closure request in RAMS-IRB.

 * Please allow adequate time for IRB processing and review of the above actions prior to your separation date.

For Other Key Study Personnel:

When other key study personnel separate from VCU, the Principal Investigator is responsible for ensuring submission of an amendment to update the study smartform’s Personnel page and, if applicable, the Protocol Editors on the Study Identification page

Studies reviewed by an external IRB (i.e. WIRB, CIRB, Advarra, or another institution’s IRB):

In addition to the above steps, also submit these changes to the reviewing IRB according to their policies and procedures. 

Additional information and guidance can be found at:

Questions may be directed to the assigned IRB Coordinator for the study, or you may contact ORSP@vcu.edu with any questions, or if you would like a list of active studies.   

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