Education & Outreach Perspectives: Effectively Interacting with the HRPP/IRB
By Nyssa Towsley, MS, CIP; Education & Outreach Manager, Human Research Protection Program The VCU HRPP recognizes that the process of undergoing IRB review can be a stressful experience for investigators. It is easy to become overwhelmed or feel defensive during an extensive external review process. Complex and heightened emotions can come with external review […]
HRPP Director Perspectives: Interacting with the HRPP/IRB
By Sanjur (Sandy) Brooks, DPS, MA; Director, Human Research Protections Program In response to the rapidly changing nature of the research enterprise, Human Research Protection Programs (HRPP) and Institutional Review Boards (IRB) are pivoting, revising, and expanding their policies, procedures, and operational needs. These needs speak to the constant and consistent oversight of all active […]
IRB Chair Perspectives: The Importance of the Independence of IRBs
Dr. Ron Evans is an Associate Professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences and currently serves as Chair of the VCU IRB Social Behavioral/Biomedical panel. Dr. Evans has been a faculty member at VCU since 2003 and an IRB member since 2005. In this article, Dr. Evans reflects on the importance of the IRB […]
HRPP Director Perspectives: The Importance of the Independence of IRBs
Dr. Sanjur “Sandy” Brooks, DPS, MA, is the Director of the VCU Human Research Protection Program. In this article, she reflects on the importance of the IRB operating independently, free from undue influence or inducement. There is an inherent conflict and dichotomy in facilitating human subject research that is not always recognized by those of […]
Research Dean Perspectives: The Importance of the Independence of IRBs
Dr. Michael Donnenberg is the Senior Associate Dean for Research and Research Training and Professor of Internal Medicine and of Microbiology and Immunology in the VCU School of Medicine. In this article, he shares his thoughts on the topic of ethics and integrity, with an emphasis on the importance of the independent operation of the […]
Education & Outreach Perspectives: Reportable Events
The VCU HRPP’s Education & Outreach Team is composed of professionals who are experts in the field of human research regulations. The unit delivers education and training to IRB members, to ensure high-quality and efficient reviews of research by IRB members. In addition, the unit also engages in education and outreach efforts to the VCU […]
PAMQuIP Perspectives: Reportable Events
The VCU HRPP’s Post-Approval Monitoring and Quality Improvement (PAMQuIP) Team is tasked with providing ongoing oversight and monitoring of human research, following initial approval by the IRB. They help study teams ensure that their research is operationalized in compliance with regulation and in compliance with the IRB-approved protocol. The team is composed of Elizabeth Marlowe, […]
IRB Reliance Perspectives: Reportable Events
The VCU HRPP’s IRB Reliance Team is tasked with managing studies that engage in reliance agreements that cede IRB review to another, non-VCU IRB, or which allow the VCU IRB to review for multiple, non-VCU research sites. They manage externally reviewed research, such as research reviewed by WCG, Advarra, or another institution’s IRB. They also […]
IRB Analyst Perspectives: Reportable Events
The VCU HRPP’s IRB Analysts are professionals who are tasked with reviewing and approving minimal risk research at VCU. They independently review and approve expedited research protocols, perform exempt determinations, and make determinations of “Not Human Subjects Research.” As part of their work, they engage closely with investigators to provide expert regulatory guidance, including pre-submission […]
IRB Administrator Perspectives: Reportable Events
The VCU HRPP’s IRB Administrators are professionals who are tasked with ensuring submissions to the convened panel are ready for review at meetings, managing IRB meetings and providing expert regulatory advice, and working closely with investigators to help them respond to requests for changes or information from the convened panel. In this article, the IRB […]