All phases of the alignment project have been successfully implemented, and all active research projects from IRBNet have been migrated into Huron IRB. Huron IRB is now the single system of record for human subjects research across the aligned institutions.

As part of the final transition:

• New submissions in IRBNet have ended
• Remaining IRBNet records are being administratively closed
• The final IRB meetings conducted in IRBNet will occur in May 2026
• All IRB meetings beginning in June 2026 and thereafter will take place in Huron IRB

This transition officially establishes a unified HRPP infrastructure designed to support:

• Consistent review processes across institutions
• Streamlined submissions and oversight
• Reduced administrative duplication
• Improved collaboration for multi-site and affiliated research
• Centralized training, guidance, and support services

The aligned HRPP now operates under:

• A unified IRB review framework
• One centralized Huron IRB system
• A shared HRPP Toolkit and standardized submission materials
• A four-panel IRB structure supported by a single flexible roster
• Centralized education, consultation, and support resources

All active IRBNet studies that had received a final outcome of Approved (or Site Activation for single IRB studies) at the time of migration were successfully migrated into Huron IRB.

Studies were migrated as project shells containing limited project-level data, including:

• Study title
• Principal Investigator (PI)
• Protocol number
• Initial approval date
• Expiration date (if applicable)
• Level of review/risk category
• Basic study identifiers

A detailed list of migrated project information is available in the HRPP Education Center.

Due to system limitations, the following items were not migrated:

• Project history (e.g., modifications, continuing reviews, reportable information)
• Reviewer comments or determinations
• Study documents (e.g., protocols, consent forms, recruitment materials)

Historical records remain available in IRBNet for reference and audit purposes.

1. Huron Registration

All personnel engaged in human subjects research must have a Huron account. This is required  to be added to the Personnel List in the Basic Information Form. Inclusion on this list is required to access a project in Huron. This differs from IRBNet, where personnel were granted access through application sharing.

To support a smooth transition, personnel on active IRBNet studies were pre-loaded into Huron as part of data migration. Individuals will appear in the system; however, registration may still be required..  All users need to register, whether system access is necessary or not

Registration guidance:

• Brown credentials only: No registration needed; you already have access to Huron IRB.
• Brown + health system credentials: Register using your health system credentials to link them to your Brown account. You may then use either login going forward.
• Health system credentials only: Register using these credentials to activate your account and link to your pre-loaded profile. After migration, your active projects will be visible in Huron.
• Guest users (no credentials): Additional registration steps will be required.
• Note: If you have multiple health system credentials and would like them linked, each credential must be registered individually.

Use the Huron Access and Registration page to register or request access.

CNE Only: If you receive a 403 error when logging in with your CNE credentials, contact the CNE Helpdesk or submit a support ticket to CNE and request that the Cirrus Proxy application be approved for your profile.

2. Population of Migrated Study Record

After migration to Huron IRB, research teams play a critical role in ensuring that project information and documents are accurate and complete. The following steps outline the key actions required to finalize project records, maintain compliance, and prepare studies for ongoing management in the new system. Completing these steps correctly ensures a smooth transition and prevents delays in approvals or project closure.

Upload Active Study Documents

• Only current, active documents—no historical or superseded files.
• See [Population Modification Guidance] for what to upload.

Make Administrative Edits Only

• Change personnel, IRB contact info, or other administrative fields.
• All other research-related edits must wait until the Population Modification is approved.

Review Project Data

• Confirm all project information in Huron is accurate.
• No submissions accepted until Population Modification is submitted and acknowledged.

Timing for Less Active Projects

• Wait 30–60 days before populating records if research is less active.
• HRPP will notify if earlier submissions are possible.

Closing Projects Without Edits

• If no edits are needed, document upload is not required.
• Complete blank questions in the Basic Information form to close the project.

Submission Authority

• Only PIs and designated PI proxies can submit.
• Additional proxies can be added or updated after migration by the PI or any assigned proxy within Huron IRB.
  • The designated proxy must already be listed as an active study team member in IRBNet.
  • Anyone on the study team may complete the form on behalf of the PI.
  • Individuals who need access to Huron IRB must have a registered Huron account.

The Brown HRPP serves as the centralized support resource for all aligned institutions. HRPP web pages have been intentionally organized to guide researchers through each stage of the research lifecycle before, during, and after IRB review. Begin with the Human Subjects Research homepage and use the sequential navigation menu on the left-hand side to access guidance, tools, and support resources. 

Available training and support includes:

• Self-paced online learning
• Downloaded resources and guidance
• Live training sessions (registration required)
• One-on-one assistance (booking required)

Training materials and live training registration are available through the HRPP Education Center: 

ACCESS TRAINING MATERIALS

For all direct support needs, visit the Need Assistance page.