Health Sciences IRBs User Survey

The Health Sciences IRBs are conducting a survey of users to get feedback on the IRB review process, IRB members, IRB staff, and IRB education and outreach efforts. We want to hear your thoughts on how we can improve our services. Your participation is entirely voluntary. The survey will take approximately 30 minutes to complete, and your responses will be anonymous. You can complete the survey at: https://websurvey.wisc.edu/survey/TakeSurvey.asp?AI=1&SurveyID=40J7845I38541lo.

Health Sciences IRBs Undergoing Accreditation

All UW-Madison IRBs are in the process of undergoing accreditation by the Association for the Accreditation of Human Research Protection Programs (AAHRPP). In partnership with the Graduate School, the IRBs have conducted a comprehensive evaluation and updating of all their policies and procedures over the past two years. The IRBs are currently preparing for the upcoming AAHRPP site visit, which will occur September 24 - 27, 2007. AAHRPP will interview investigators and research staff as well as IRB staff and members during the site visit. Stay tuned for additional details regarding the AAHRPP site visit and the accreditation process.

New IRB Workshops Available

The Health Sciences IRBs are pleased to announce that they now offer workshops for the research community. Workshops cover a variety of topics, including preparing initial review applications for clinical trials and medical records research as well as responding to modification requests. For more information, please contact the main office at 608-263-2362 or register online through the Office of Human Resources Development IRB Workshops Course Catalog.

New and Updated Policies and Guidance Posted

New policies and guidance developed as a part of the accreditation process are now posted on the Health Sciences IRBs website and on the Graduate School website. The Health Sciences IRBs are part of the UW-Madison's Human Research Protection Program (HRPP). Many of policies followed by the Health Sciences IRBs are HRPP policies that govern all IRBs on campus. Policies and guidance that are specific to the Health Sciences IRBs are also posted on our new website. Through a variety of outreach activities over the next several months, we will be working with the research community to introduce the new HRPP and Health Sciences policies and guidance.

Electronic Submission Coming in 2008

The Health Sciences IRBs are excited to announce that investigators will be able to submit their IRB applications electronically beginning in 2008. The new web-based system will also allow investigators to print stamped consent forms, track a protocol's history, and receive and respond to IRB requests electronically. Development of the system is expected to take several months and we will involve members of the research community during this process. We also will be seeking volunteers for pilot testing of the system, so stay tuned for additional updates.