In January, the UNMC Institutional Review Board (IRB) launched a new online electronic submission system.
The streamlined system:
- Boasts a more customized application;
- Is web-based, which enables investigators to log in and sign off on applications from afar; and
- Creates an electronic file with all documents in one place and greatly reduces the amount of paper copies previously submitted.
“We’ve had a good response,” said Sue Logsdon, IRB administrator. “We’ve continued to make adjustments and improve the system.”
An archived training session on how to use the new online application system is archived on the IRB website. Coming soon, Logsdon said, is an instruction manual, which will be attached to the application and IRB website.
Meanwhile, new and senior investigators are encouraged to take advantage of a variety of IRB educational opportunities:
- The 2012 IRB Education Series — Launched in January, the monthly program explores a variety of topics from informed consent to adverse events to children as research subjects. The noon lectures — presented by Ernest Prentice, Ph.D., and Bruce Gordon, M.D. — help participants better understand IRB process and regulations. The lectures are in the Sorrell Center, Room 1005 (Register via email to Jenny Kucera at jikucera@unmc.edu). All sessions are streamed live and archived on the IRB website.
- Walk-in Wednesday — Each Wednesday from 1 to 2 p.m., an IRB administrator is available to answer questions and assist investigators. Come to the front desk of the IRB office (3rd floor in the Academic and Research Services Building) and tell Lindsay Hicks, the IRB administrative assistant, that you are there for Walk-In Wednesday.
- Tailored educational sessions on any topic are available for individuals or departments. Contact Kucera if you’re interested in scheduling a workshop, lecture or classroom discussion.
- The IRB’s Human Research Protection Program bulletin is automatically distributed to anyone listed with an active protocol. If you are not on that list, you may request the bulletin by contacting Kucera. Sent periodically, the bulletin contains useful information that can be applied to, or assist with, the submission process.