Reporting for single patient access and emergency uses of FDA regulated products should be made directly to the HRPP at 804-828-0868 or at [email protected]. Refer to the VCU Regulatory Affairs web page for all guidance related to uses of FDA regulated products at VCU, including Compassionate, expanded access and emergency use of drugs/devices.
Research teams are encouraged to review the video links and resources provided by the HRPP to prepare any new protocols and resubmissions in the VIRBs once the system goes live on 8/7. Research teams can be working on HRP protocol documents, supporting documents, human research training, and ancillary reviews in preparation for submission in the VIRBs.
VIRBs Staging Link(demo environment only)
The VIRBs staging link is now available to the VCU research community. The link is posted on the New IRB Review System web page under the drop-down for ‘How to access VIRBs stage site’. The VIRBs staging environment was created in collaboration with Huron Consulting Group, Inc. for training purposes. The VIRBs staging environment serves strictly as a testing platform for users to become familiar with the new review system that will be in place beginning on 8/7. Researchers are encouraged to access the staging site at their convenience in preparation for the go-live.
VIRBs Ancillary Review Process
The process for ancillary reviews in VIRBs has been posted on the New IRB Review System web page under the drop-down for ‘Ancillary Review Process’. This new guidance describes applicability of the HRP-309 – Ancillary review matrix, impact to DMS and COI reviews, and process for department head reviews.
RAMS IRB to VIRBs differences
An outline of differences between RAMS-IRB and VIRBs has been posted on the New IRB Review System web page under the drop-down for ‘RAMS IRB to VIRBs differences’. With the help of our Huron consulting team, we have composed some great visual content for comparison between systems.
VIRBs FAQs
VIRBs FAQs have been posted on the New IRB Review System web page under the drop-down for ‘Frequently asked questions’. The HRPP will continue to post updated FAQs during the VIRBs transition. The most recent FAQ is included below.
Q: How do I know if my RAMS IRB submission did NOT convert to VIRBs effective 8/7/25?
A: The HM# assigned in RAMS IRB will convert to VIRBs and will be available for reference on the IRB workspace, active tab. You may search by ID (HM#), PI last name, name (of study), etc. If the study is not pulling up in VIRBs, check the status in RAMS IRB (in read only state after 8/1/25). Any project or follow-on submission not in a final state (e.g., approved, exempt, approved by external IRB) would not have converted to VIRBs and will need to be newly submitted.
IRB staff will be working diligently through 7/31/25 to complete review of all timely submissions and responses. Please review posted comments for response deadlines to ensure your submission is able to be processed in advance of system downtime.
Research Community Feedback Survey
The HRPP has received so much valuable feedback from the VCU research community during the VIRBs transition period. We are grateful for our dedicated research communities and all of the feedback we have received. Over the next couple weeks we would appreciate hearing from you again. Please take some time to complete this brief feedback form at the link provided below. The survey link will also be posted on the New IRB review system: VIRBs (VCU IRB system) web page for a brief period of time during this last stretch leading up to the VIRBs go-live. Click on the link below to access the feedback survey!
For all important upcoming dates and deadlines and to learn more about transitioning to a protocol-based application the HRPP website visit New IRB Review System: VIRBs (VCU IRB Review System). Reach out to [email protected] with questions about individual study requirements.