The HRPP Insider
Updates from the Human Research Protection Program serving Brown University, Brown University Health, and Care New England.
May 18, 2026
Final Countdown to Huron IRB Go-Live
Huron IRB Go-Live Is Almost Here
We are entering the final stage of the transition to Huron IRB. At this point, researchers and study teams should be focused on:
Completing Huron registration, if needed
Participating in Huron system training (self-guided and live)
Preparing to populate study records after go-live
Thank you to everyone across the research community for your flexibility, patience, and engagement throughout this transition.
UPDATE: Huron Registration Requirement
We previously communicated that only users who needed access to Huron IRB should register. Due to unforeseen complications with system provisioning and identity validation, this approach has changed.
All active research personnel are now required to complete Huron registration within the next 30 days to avoid disruption to research activities.
More detailed information about registration can be found on the HRPP Alignment page.
Failure to register within this timeframe may result in delays or loss of access once post–go-live workflows are underway.
Researchers are strongly encouraged to complete registration as soon as possible to ensure uninterrupted access to Huron IRB.
Quick Timeline & Important Reminders
Please keep the following dates and reminders in mind:
IRBNet is closed to new submissions
All new project submissions must now be submitted in Huron IRB
May 20 (evening): Data migration into Huron IRB
May 21: Migrated studies go live in Huron IRB
If you have an urgent review or submission need related to an existing IRBNet study, please contact the HRPP team directly for guidance and assistance at IRB@brown.edu.
Planned Huron Downtime
Due to scheduled data migration activities, Huron IRB will experience planned downtime on:
Wednesday 5/20 evening, approximately 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Please plan accordingly.
Preparing for Post-Go-Live Study Population
Following go-live, study teams will begin populating Huron study records with active study documents and materials.
To help prevent system bottlenecks and support a smoother transition process, HRPP is requesting that researchers stagger study population activities based on submission needs:
Priority Population
Researchers should prioritize populating studies that:
Currently need to create a submission for IRB review, or
Anticipate needing a submission in the near future
Delayed Population
Studies without an immediate submission need are encouraged to wait several weeks before fully populating records.
HRPP will continue communicating recommended timelines and expectations after go-live.
Training & Support Resources
Training and support resources remain available to assist researchers during the transition.
Available resources include:
On-demand training materials available on the HRPP Education page
Live training sessions listed on the HRPP Training Calendar
Self-registration available directly through the website
Extensive PI guidance and submission resources available on the Submit Your Human Subjects Research Study page
We strongly encourage all users to review available guidance and complete training prior to working in Huron.
Stay Connected: SHIP & The Researcher Channel
Continue to utilize:
SHIP (System Help & Information Portal) for direct support and consult booking
The Researcher Channel for shared learning and community discussion
These resources are intended to support researchers throughout implementation and beyond.
Questions?
The HRPP team remains available to support study teams throughout go-live and post-migration activities.
Thank you again for your partnership as we launch Huron IRB.
Through the BIRCH initiative, the Brown HRPP will provide unified oversight for human subjects research across Brown University, Care New England, and Brown University Health, with Brown University serving as the IRB of record for all three institutions.
