Dear Colleagues,
To support timely review of research submissions during a period of increased volume and other challenges, the UConn Storrs IRB office is implementing a temporary modification to our submission process. This modification does not apply to UConn Health based researchers.
Effective Monday, March 9, new minimal risk studies that are eligible for Exempt or Expedited review should be submitted to BRANY IRB rather than the UConn IRB, unless an exception has been granted. This is in addition to studies that already meet existing criteria for BRANY submission, such as those with external funding or involving more than two external collaborators. Contact the IRB Manager, Karen Christianson (karen.2.christianson@uconn.edu), with any exception requests.
This temporary measure is intended to ensure timely review while the IRB addresses elevated submission volume and related operational impacts. Studies requiring Full Board review will continue to be submitted to the UConn IRB.
Instructions for submitting to BRANY IRB are available here: https://ovpr.uconn.edu/brany-irb/
Please review the guidance carefully prior to submission. The IRB Office will continue to provide local administrative review and oversight as required.
We appreciate your cooperation and flexibility as we work to maintain high-quality and timely human research protections during this period.
If you have questions about the BRANY submission process or whether your study qualifies for Exempt or Expedited review, please contact the IRB Office (irb@uconn.edu).
Sincerely,
Michael Centola, MHS, CIP
Associate Vice President-Research Integrity & Compliance
Office of the Vice President for Research
(860) 205-3702
centola@uchc.edu
https://uconnhealth.webex.com/meet/centola
research.uconn.edu | research.uchc.edu
For more information, contact: UConn IRB at irb@uconn.edu