Skip to main content
University of Wisconsin–Madison

HRPP Newsletter January 2022

Upcoming Toolkit Updates

Based on feedback received so far, Toolkit documents are currently being reviewed and updated with roll-out of the revised documents targeted for later this month. Depending on the extent and nature of the revisions, training sessions for researchers may be planned.

Remember that study teams are encouraged to provide feedback at any time using the online Toolkit Feedback form. New feedback will be considered for the next round of updates in June.

AAHRPP Accreditation Site Visit

UW-Madison’s HRPP has been AAHRPP-accredited since 2008 and is currently undergoing re-accreditation. The first step has been successfully completed, meaning that our policies and procedures have been reviewed and found to meet accreditation standards. The next step of the re-accreditation process is a site visit from AAHRPP. This site visit will occur in Spring 2022 and will include interviews with select individuals who are part of the UW-Madison human subjects research community. More information about the site visit, including preparation materials for those involved, will be made available as we near the site visit.

Non-Protocol Based Application (nPBA) now live!

As of December 19th, the nPBA is available for use by study teams. As a reminder, the nPBA is designed for studies likely to be minimal risk and without a standalone protocol, including exemptions. If you are unsure if the nPBA is the right application for your study, please contact the IRB Office (asktheirb@hsirb.wisc.edu).

RELIANT Updates

  • Reminder: Effective January 1st, a consultation with RELIANT is required for study teams asking the UW to serve as the single IRB (reviewing IRB) for a multisite, non-exempt study. Without prior consultation, the UW cannot agree it will serve as the single IRB. If the UW is unable to serve as the reviewing IRB, RELIANT will assist study teams in identifying another external IRB.
  • Changes for Ceded Studies: The types of changes that need to be submitted for ceded studies is considerably smaller than what is needed when the UW IRB has reviewed a study. Please see page 34 of our reliance manual for details on what types of changes need to be submitted for ceded studies.
  • RELIANT Team Changes: Mike Bingham left RELIANT early January for another position. Mike has been an integral part of our team for several years and he will be very missed. Searches for a replacement for Mike as well as another reliance administrator will begin in early 2022. If you are interested in learning more about these positions, please contact irbreliance@wisc.edu.

Presentation on Disability, Accessibility, and Inclusion for Researchers 

The Professional Research Education Program (PREP) is hosting a course on Disability, Accessibility, and Inclusion for Researchers on January 19th at 10am (Register here). This course will provide a basis for researchers to make research participation more accessible to individuals with disabilities. Specifically, this course will provide a general overview of disability, disability rights and laws, and touch on disability as a form of diversity, equity inclusion. Privilege and ableism will be reviewed and information on accessibility resources will be provided.

Educational Resources from OHRP

The federal Office of Human Research Protections (OHRP) has an ever-growing online library of educational materials for the research community. Topics include:

These interactive tutorials and videos are a great way to learn more about ethical and regulatory concepts that impact your research!

If your study participants have general questions about human research, OHRP’s About Research Participation series provides basic information for the public about how research works and about protections for human research volunteers, as well as questions to ask when considering whether to take part in a research study.

Coming Soon- IRB For Beginners!

Beginning February 2022, IRB for Beginners is re-launching and will combine important information for both biomedical and social behavioral/educational researchers.  This is a great presentation for new researchers, student researchers, and those who have not submitted to the IRB since the IRB Efficiency Project (IEP) changes have been in place.  The first session is scheduled for February 22nd at 2pm. A registration link will be included in the February newsletter and on the IRB website.

Previous editions of the HRPP Newsletter can be found here.