The HRPP Insider
Updates from the Human Research Protection Program serving Brown University, Brown University Health, and Care New England.
April 27, 2026
Dear Researchers,
As we approach the final alignment of Human Research Protection Program (HRPP) operations for Care New England (CNE) and Brown University Health (BUH) under Brown University this May, we are entering a period of transition. The final phase, data migration from IRBNet to Huron, is scheduled for next month.
IRBNet is now closed to new project submissions. All new studies must be submitted in Huron IRB moving forward. All other submission types may continue in IRBNet through the week of May 4. Please note that Huron registration may be required to submit. We encourage you to plan accordingly and refer to the HRPP alignment page for additional details and instructions.
We also strongly encourage you to join the Researcher Channel (Google Group) to stay informed. This channel will be used to share important updates outside of the regular newsletter schedule when appropriate. See more information below.
Who Is Most Impacted
This transition primarily affects BUH and CNE researchers, as studies will move from IRBNet to the Huron system.
All resources listed below are available to researchers at Brown University, BUH, and CNE.
Join the Researcher Channel (Google Group)
We invite all active researchers to join the Researcher Channel.
This group will:
• Provide a forum for researchers to ask questions and share information
• Share important HRPP updates and reminders between newsletters
We strongly encourage all researchers to join and participate.
Please note that SHIP will replace the current ticketing system and booking calendar at BUH, as well as TEA Time at Brown University. SHIP will serve as the centralized platform for submitting questions, requesting support, and scheduling one-on-one consultations with HRPP staff.
Use SHIP for Questions and Support
We recently launched the Support Hub for Information and Planning (SHIP).
SHIP is the most efficient way to communicate with the HRPP from any BIRCH entity and serves as the primary pathway for support.
Through SHIP, you can:
Submit questions
Request support
Schedule one-on-one consultations with HRPP staff
Training Resources
Self-paced training is available on the SHIP website
Live training sessions are listed on the training calendar
Visit the HRPP Alignment Education Center to access these materials.
Transition Timeline
Please review the key dates below and plan accordingly:
April 8, 2026: New projects may be submitted in Huron IRB
April 20, 2026: Last day for new project submissions in IRBNet
May 4, 2026: IRBNet all-submission blackout period begins
May 13, 2026: Final IRBNet data extraction
- May 21, 2026: Huron IRB go-live
HRPP Alignment Launching in 2026
Questions about the HRPP Alignment?
Get answers on the HRPP Alignment Overview and Updates web page.
Thank you for your continued engagement during this transition.
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.
