October 2023 IRB Bulletin: News from the IRB Office
UPCOMING Annual State of the IRB Townhall
Please join Northwestern University Human Research Protection Program (HRPP) leaders, Associate Vice President for Research, Crista Brawley, IRB Office Executive Director, Nathalia Henry Whitely, Associate Director of Compliance and Reliance, Piper Hawkins-Green, and Associate Director of Operations, Lisa Linn, as they highlight fiscal year 2023 IRB Office performance metrics, discuss HRPP accomplishments and opportunities, and forecast the office’s future trajectory in the context of Northwestern Research.
We hope you join us for this important annual event on human research protections administration at Northwestern University!
Wednesday, October 18, 2023 12:00 - 1:00 PM
Announcements
External IRB Studies - Hot TIP!
Once initial acknowledgment from the Northwestern IRB Office is obtained, many ongoing study updates may be implemented immediately once External IRB approval of the update is secured. Within two weeks of receiving External IRB approval the PI is required to submit updates such as change of PI, updates to the protocol and/or consent forms, and Continuing Review approvals in eIRB+. The PI is also required to submit External IRB approval of closure, in eIRB+, within two weeks of receipt.
Don't forget! The PI is required to submit Reportable New Information (RNI) to the External IRB per the External IRB’s reporting criteria. They should perform this reporting to the External IRB in parallel with an RNI submission in eIRB+.
This SOP can be found on the HRP-092 SOP External IRBs SOPs webpage and Northwestern Relying on an External IRB webpage.
Access Past IRB Brown Bags in Our Archive!
The IRB Office holds regular Brown Bag events at Noon on (typically) the third Wednesday of each month. While these sessions are scheduled during the lunch hour for convenience, we recognize that live attendance is not always feasible and, perhaps more importantly, that conscientious members of the Northwestern Human Research Protection Program (HRPP) community seek access to past presentation materials in support of their ongoing human research protections education. This is where the IRB Office’s Brown Bag Archive comes in!
Included among other practical learning resources on the IRB Office Education webpage, our Brown Bag Archive of presentation slide decks cover timely and relevant research topics designed to support human researchers, study coordinators, research office administrators, and all HRPP community members in between in their pursuit of compliant and ethical human research praxis.
With topics ranging from What Is, Is not, and Might Be Human Research, Keeping Up with Compliance, and Crafting Consent, you are bound to find materials to meet your educational needs. Take a moment to peruse our IRB Brown Bag Archive today!
Updated Documents
The following consent template was updated and is now available on the Consent Templates Page:
- HRP-582 Social Behavioral Consent Document (minor edits)
The following guidance documents were updated and are now available on the Human Research Policies and Guidance Page:
- HRP-1902 Research Participant Payments
- HRP-1907 Re-Consent/Notification of Study Participants
- HRP-1909 Research that Involves Use of Protected Mental Health and-or Developmental Disabilities Information
The following form was updated and is now available on the Protocol Templates and Form Page:
- HRP-1202 Radiation Dosimetry
STAFF SPOTLIGHT
Meet Elizabeth Barajas, Senior IRB Analyst!
Hi! I was born and raised in Chicago and I love everything about our city! I've been with Northwestern University for 9 years and throughout my time here, I've learned from the different aspects of research and worked within different research departments. I started my NU research journey with CCM, which allowed me to learn about procurement, receiving and census, as well as animal care. I then moved on to the IACUC, where I learned more about animal research and compliance. I've always had a passion for helping people which has led me to the IRB. I am happy to be a part of an amazing team while learning about human research and regulations. When I am not working I am enjoying time with my daughter and family! We love to travel and explore new places and cultures.
Please use the Northwestern University IRB Office Website as your primary source of information and resources on human research protections