September 2023 IRB Bulletin: News from the IRB Office
As a part of the Northwestern University IRB Office’s initiative to share timely resources and information with the research community, the IRB Bulletin is released at the beginning of each month and contains relevant updates from the IRB office. The IRB Bulletin is also posted monthly on the IRB News & Announcements webpage. Please keep reading for this month’s updates.
New IRB Office Education Tool for Individuals and Groups - Live Now!
The Northwestern University IRB Office is pleased to unveil a new comprehensive educational tool now available in MyHR Learn. The Navigating Human Research Ethics & Regulatory Review with the Institutional Review Board Office course offers an overview of the most salient topics in human research protections along with tips on conducting that work in the context of Northwestern University. All you need is a Northwestern NetID to freely navigate between this comprehensive human research protections course’s 11 modules in ways that support your individual learning style and/or meets your instructional needs. You may view/take this comprehensive human research protections course by logging into MyHR Learn and searching for “Navigating Human Research Ethics…”; then, select Launch to register and begin the course. Please note this optional course is intended to support general IRB education and does NOT satisfy the Northwestern human research protections training requirements.
CITI Training Requirement Update
On September 1, 2023, training requirements moved from a dual-track (social behavioral and biomedical) to a single-track course for all Northwestern and Northwestern- affiliated human researchers. No action is needed and current training records will maintain validity until expiration. At the time of basic or refresher training, "Human Research Protections (IRB)” will be the only course enrollment option in CITI. Please see our human research protections training webpage for detailed information and updates as they become effective.
Updated External Reporting Process (HRP-094) and Reportable New Information (RNI) Letter
The IRB Office has updated our External Reporting Process SOP and RNI Outcome letter in eIRB+. If a Principal Investigator’s study receives a determination on an RNI submission that requires reporting, the Principal Investigator (PI) must review their study’s funding sources in the eIRB+ application for accuracy and email irbcompliance@northwestern.edu within 5 business days from the date of the RNI letter to confirm the accuracy of the funding sources or provide an accurate list of funding sources. If the funding sources are inaccurate, the PI must submit a modification request in the eIRB+ system to correct the funding sources and include the modification request number (e.g., MOD0002) in their email to irbcompliance@northwestern.edu. Details on the external and institutional reporting process can be found in SOP: External Reporting Process (HRP-094).
Updated Documents
The following checklist was updated and is now available on the Checklists & Worksheets Page:
- HRP-334 Media Relations
The following SOPs were updated and are now available on the SOPs Page:
- HRP-094 External Reporting Process
- HRP-801 Establishing Authorization Agreements
Upcoming IRB Brown Bag:
A Lesson on (New) Streamlined IRB Training Requirements & Records Management
12pm, September 20th, 2023
Please view the Events Page for details and registration information.
Staff Spotlight
Meet Meghan Haser, IRB Analyst Associate!
Hello! I'm from Buck Hills Falls, PA, and graduated from High Point University with a B.A. in Exercise Science. I received my graduate degree from Ball State University in Biomechanics. During this time I worked for the IRB which furthered my passion for research and promoting good research practices. Outside of work, I enjoy exploring Chicago, being outdoors, traveling, and connecting with friends and family!
Sincerely,
Northwestern University IRB Office
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