As non-COVID-19-related clinical activity is increasing at the medical center, UNMC also is beginning to open clinical research, with the first phase of the re-opening beginning Monday, May 18.
Bruce Gordon, M.D., assistant vice chancellor for regulatory affairs and executive chairman of the Institutional Review Board (IRB), is working with research leaders to reach a balance that minimizes risks to both research subjects and to research personnel.
“Our driving principle is to minimize risk to research subjects and research staff, while allowing scientifically and clinically important investigations to proceed,” Dr. Gordon said.
For this reason, clinical research will be re-opened in phases, with the first phase on Monday. Researchers can use the COVID Research blog to find the types of research that will now be allowed on campus.
“Just because certain types of research are allowed to open doesn’t mean the study has to open,” said Jennifer Larsen, M.D., vice chancellor of research. “It is important to evaluate if and how the subject can be safely seen based on the location of the study and to make sure the study team understands the mask, social distancing, and visitor policy of the area where the person may be seen.”
Researchers with questions or concerns can contact the IRB Office at (402) 559-6463.