Summer 2024 Newsletter

IN THIS NEWSLETTER:

Reimagining The IRB: Kicking off the initiative

Introducing Dr. Canca and a Farewell to Dr. Isaacowitz

IRB Drop-In Hours for Researchers and the Research Community

Highlighted Events and Training

Reimagining The IRB: Kicking off the initiative

As research at Northeastern expands, we need an agile and adaptive Department of Human Research. To meet this need, we are “Reimagining the IRB” by building a transparent program that offers more resources and tools to partner with investigators.

You will see some changes soon to help us meet these goals, including:

• A shortened Exemption form that streamlines the process by asking fewer questions and prompts for more relevant information.
• New consent and recruitment templates which will be easier to complete and better reflect the types of research conducted on campus.
• Expanded drop-in hours and educational offerings targeting areas of growth and frequently asked questions (see below).

There are other exciting changes on the horizon that we will be sharing with you in future newsletters. We are also planning opportunities for you to collaborate with us on solutions to streamline the IRB review processes. We look forward to working together!

Introducing Dr. Canca and a Farewell to Dr. Isaacowitz

Dr. Isaacowtiz is stepping down as the IRB chair to pursue new opportunities at Washington University in St. Louis. Speaking earnestly, his voice and perspective will be deeply missed, and we fully appreciate his tenure as IRB chair. To fill the position, we have identified Dr. Cansu Canca. Dr.  Cansu is the Director of Responsible AI Practice at the Institute of Experiential AI and a Research Associate Professor at the Department of Philosophy and Religion. She is affiliated with the Ethics Institute in the College of Social Sciences and Humanities and the DATA Initiative at the D’Amore-McKim School of Business.

IRB Drop-In Hours for Researchers and the Research Community

We are happy to announce we are hosting IRB drop-in hours for the research community. This is a great way to get any IRB questions you might have answered. Attendees can join and leave at their leisure. Sessions will be one-on-one or small group discussions of questions brought by attendees. Questions will be addressed on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note, during these sessions, the IRB staff won’t review specific language or research studies, as these sessions are not intended to replace the pre-review process. Please visit our Events Page for the scheduled drop-in hours.

Highlighted Events and Training

Managing Dual Roles and Existing Relationships in Human
Subjects Research
7/5 11am EST

Dual roles need to be mitigated when researchers may have multiple and competing responsibilities to research participants, such as teaching a class they intend to study or providing services to potential participants. This presentation will help investigators navigate the complexities of dual-role research.

AI in Research: Applying the Regulatory Landscape to
New Technologies
7/19 11am EST

This presentation will explore the interactions and intersections of AI technology in human subjects research as they relate to IRB review and existing regulatory frameworks.