• HRPP operational alignment is underway across Brown University, Brown University Health, and Care New England under the Brown University umbrella.
• Single IRB applications are now used for new reliance studies across BIRCH institutions.
• Four IRB panels are meeting monthly to support more consistent and timely review.
• HRPP Toolkit launch is in progress, with standardized forms and templates to follow.
• Huron IRB migration planning continues, with active studies expected to transition later in 2026.

Visit this page regularly for updates as timelines, training, and transition details are finalized.

The HRPP alignment brings several important operational updates:

• HRPP/IRB Contact: All HRPP and IRB operations are now moving under Brown University. (Effective January 2026)
• Platform Migration: IRBNet will be phased out at Brown University Health and Care New England. All active IRB projects will eventually be moved to Huron IRB. Access to IRBNet remains available during the transition. (Pending Spring 2026)
• One System Single Application: For multi site research involving Brown University, Brown University Health, and Care New England, a single application will now be submitted through Huron IRB. (Effective January 2026)
• IRB Meeting Schedule: The IRB meeting schedule has been updated to the new format starting in 2026.
• IRB Membership and Expertise: The Brown University IRB acts as the IRB of record for all three institutions, consolidating membership and expertise from all HRPP team members across the institutions. (Effective January 2026)
• Data Migration: Existing studies will be migrated from IRBNet to Huron IRB as project shells. Research teams are responsible for reviewing and populating these shells with current documentation. (Pending Spring 2026)
• Common IRB Materials: A standardized set of IRB materials including forms, templates, and policies is being implemented through the Huron HRPP Toolkit. Researchers are encouraged to access the toolkit and begin familiarizing themselves with these resources. (Pending early 2026)
• Expanded Support Services: Bringing all HRPP team members together also enhances resources for researchers, including centralized Regulatory Advising and an expanded Post Approval Monitoring Program to support consistent oversight and guidance. (Effective immediately)

A summary of the current progress in aligning HRPP operations across Brown University, Brown University Health, and Care New England includes:

• HRPP and IRB operations are now administered centrally by Brown University, providing unified oversight and support.
• IRB membership has been consolidated across all three institutions, with four panels now actively meeting to review protocols consistently.
• For new reliance studies, researchers are submitting a single IRB application, streamlining multi-site review.
• Active studies continue in IRBNet and Huron while preparations for migration to Huron IRB are underway, with transition planning progressing on schedule.
• Researchers are familiarizing themselves with the HRPP Toolkit, and standardized forms and templates are being finalized for release.
• Centralized training, support resources, and points of contact are now available, helping research teams navigate current processes efficiently.

This reflects our ongoing progress toward a fully aligned, streamlined, and consistent HRPP framework for all three institutions.

Beginning January 2026, the Brown HRPP is transitioning to a single, cohesive framework with standardized processes and points of contact. Standardized forms and templates will follow to support a simpler, more consistent experience. Stay tuned for more information on a central HRPP booking calendar and support services page. 

The Brown HRPP Toolkit will launch in 2026, with a transition period to support a smooth adjustment. Active projects will be minimally impacted by this change and will not need to modify existing materials to match the toolkit. These studies will remain in IRBNet and will not be migrated until later in 2026. 

All existing IRB members have been organized to a single IRB roster consisting of four panels that meet throughout the month to increase review frequency and consistency. The first panel will work out of Huron and the other three panels will remain in IRBNet. There will be some limitations to availability until we are all in one system, but it is a big step towards our overall goals. 

Important Note on Data Transfer Agreements

While HRPP operations are aligning across the three institutions, data transfer agreements and related policies remain institution specific and unchanged. Researchers should continue to follow their home institution’s established processes for data sharing and transfer. Aligning data related processes remains a longer term goal to support streamlined research collaboration.

Single IRB (sIRB) Updates

To support collaborative research, new studies involving reliance between Brown University, Brown University Health, and/or Care New England can now use a single IRB application for all BIRCH sites. Reliance agreements will be executed administratively through HRPP, and no separate submission to the relying site(s) will be required.

This approach:

• Reduces duplicative submissions and administrative burden
• Improves consistency in review and communication
• Supports efficient study start up for collaborative research
• Clarifies roles and responsibilities across institutions

All reliance agreements will be reviewed by submitting a modification after overall study approval.

• New studies expecting to submit a reliance request with a BIRCH affiliated site can be submitted in their usual submission system (IRBNet or Huron). To submit a study in Huron, the Principal Investigator must have an active Huron account. If study management will be delegated to another individual, that person must also have Huron access.. After initial approval, the Investigator must submit a modification to the approved study requesting to enact a reliance agreement.
• Requests for the addition of a relying site on an existing, active study should submit a modification to the currently reviewing IRB of Record.  

Investigators should use the forms and follow the processes associated with their submission system (IRBNet or Huron). To support this transitionary period, a new form has been created, HRP-899 - FORM: Reliance Cover Page. This form must be uploaded with the modification request and serves as documentation of the engaged sites, research locations and study personnel. 

Example

A Brown University investigator submits a new study in Huron that will involve reliance with Brown University Health. The study is reviewed and approved in a single submission. After approval, the investigator submits a modification in Huron and uploads the typically required documents and the HRP-899 Reliance Cover Page to request enactment of the reliance agreement. HRPP executes the reliance agreement administratively, and no separate submission to Brown University Health IRBNet is required.

To check for Huron access, you can log into Huron or check for active Brown University credentials at https://myaccount.brown.edu/.  Additional guidance and submission details will be shared as implementation continues.

Questions about sIRB review may be directed to reliance@brown.edu.

What You Need to Do

• Visit this webpage often for detailed information, updates, and to share feedback.
• Continue submitting through your current system unless informed otherwise (Huron or IRBNet); non-committee reviews will proceed as usual.
• Stay aware of meeting dates. One panel will meet in Huron and three in IRBNet—HRPP will triage submissions as needed.
• Access training materials for the Brown HRPP Toolkit and upcoming Huron system rollout.
• Register for CREW, our monthly engagement workgroup to hear live updates and ask questions.
• Review the 2026 meeting dates and recorded Town Hall session.

Thank you to everyone who joined the December HRPP Town Halls. We appreciate your engagement and thoughtful questions as we shared updates on ongoing progress and the planned HRPP alignment in January 2026.

For those who were unable to attend or would like a refresher, the final Town Hall was recorded and is available to watch.

HRPP Town Hall Zoom Recording

Transition Timeline

• HRPP and IRB alignment: January 2026
• Huron SmartForm early release: Late winter 2026
• Freeze on all submissions: Two weeks before Huron go-live - IRBNet will no longer accept any submissions.
• Migration of active studies to Huron IRB: one week before Huron go-live
• Full Operations in Huron IRB: Spring 2026.

Data Migration Details

• Only active projects will be migrated to Huron IRB. "Active" refers to studies that have received a final review outcome of Approved (or Site Activation for single IRB studies). Any research that hasn’t reached this status by the time data is pulled from IRBNet will need to be manually entered into Huron IRB.
• Project Shells: Studies from IRBNet will be imported into Huron IRB as basic shells containing limited data fields (e.g., study title, PI, protocol number).
• Research Team Action Required: Teams will need to upload full study documentation and confirm data accuracy in the Huron IRB system post-migration.
• Only Principal Investigators (PIs) or designated PI proxies are authorized to submit in Huron. PIs will be uploaded into the system along with their project details, and PI proxies will also be added to help complete the initial project setup.
• Further instructions and checklists will be provided in training sessions.
• Submission Freeze: in-progress submissions in IRBNet must be finalized one week before go-live.

Training Plan

A comprehensive, institution specific training and support plan is in place to prepare researchers, study teams, and IRB members for the Huron IRB transition.

Support includes:

• HRPP Toolkit orientation materials
• Role based Huron training
• Live sessions, office hours, and one on one assistance

Access training materials

A single, flexible IRB roster will support four dedicated panels. These panels will meet once per month, on the first, second, third, and fourth weeks.  All meetings are set for Wednesdays or Thursdays between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM.

The panels will feature a generalist composition, ensuring the combined roster reflects the full range of research in our current portfolio.

Specifically, each panel will include the necessary mix of scientists and non-scientists, affiliated and unaffiliated members as mandated by federal regulations. To maximize review capability, panels will also combine diverse experience, including:

• Biomedical and social-behavioral expertise
• Reviewers experienced in pediatric and pregnancy research
• Experience in oncology and other specialties
• A variety of academic degrees (MD, PhD, Pharm D, BS, BA, etc.)
• Mixed representation from all institutions affiliated with this project.

This comprehensive approach guarantees that any new research can be competently reviewed by any of the four panels, creating the most flexible and optimal model for our organizations.

Each panel will be led by a Chair and Vice Chair, consistent with common practice. Additionally, an Executive Chair will focus on administrative oversight, process coordination, and strategic planning across all panels.

These nine individuals will form the leadership team, working collaboratively as equal members fully engaged in policy discussions, planning, and decision-making.

View the 2026 Meeting Schedule

Throughout this process, the Brown HRPP is committed to providing comprehensive support:

• Dedicated Transition Help Desk
• Live Chat and Email Support
• 1-on-1 Assistance by Appointment

Links to support resources will be published as soon as they are available. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to the HRPP with any questions or concerns at irb@brown.edu.

Stay Informed

The Brown HRPP will continue to share updates via email, this webpage, the HRPP Insider newsletter, and through department administrators. Please check back regularly for new information, FAQs, and additional resources.

Register for CREW: Collaborative Research Engagement Workgroup

The Collaborative Research Engagement Workgroup (CREW) is a monthly virtual meeting hosted by the HRPP to foster engagement and collaboration with the research community. CREW provides a forum for researchers, staff, and stakeholders to share updates, discuss best practices, and address questions or challenges related to human research protections. These sessions are open to all members of the research community and are designed to encourage dialogue, provide timely updates, and strengthen connections across institutions.

CREW meets monthly on the second Thursday of the month from 2-3 p.m. (new time)

REGISTER TO RECEIVE CALENDAR INVITES

Thank you for your cooperation and engagement during this transition. This move will enhance our ability to support ethical, efficient, and collaborative research across all institutions.