Your bi-weekly insight into all things HRPP at Brown University, Brown University Health, and Care New England.
November 25, 2025
HRPP Alignment Initiative Launching 2026 – What You Need to Know
Hello!
We’re excited to introduce ourselves as the soon-to-be-aligned Human Research Protection Program at Brown University, uniting efforts across Brown University, Brown University Health, and Care New England under one coordinated program. After more than two years of careful planning, we are moving forward with the full alignment of all Human Research Protection Program (HRPP) operations under the Brown University umbrella in 2026.
Importantly, HRPP team members you’ve come to know and work with at each institution remain part of this aligned program. Their institutional knowledge and commitment to supporting ethical research have been instrumental in making this transition possible.
Our approach will be two-fold: first, we will align HRPP operations in January 2026 while continuing to use both submission systems, IRBNet and Huron. Shortly thereafter, we will migrate active research into Huron IRB, transitioning to a single system moving forward. By separating these two major changes, operational alignment and system migration, we make the process more manageable and help ensure a successful transition.
Visit the HRPP Alignment Webpage
A dedicated webpage has been created to serve as your central hub for all information related to this transition: HRPP Alignment.
On this page, you’ll find:
Background and purpose of the alignment
Detailed information about moving from IRBnet to Huron, including how researchers can start to prepare
Tools and resources to support your research team during the transition and data migration
A place to submit questions and feedback
Why This Matters
Starting January 2026, we’re moving to a single, cohesive HRPP framework, replacing the current siloed approach. This will include standardized processes, forms, training, and points of contact to make things simpler and more consistent.
The HRPP Toolkit will go live for everyone in January 2026, with a transition period through March to allow time to adjust and ensure full compliance.
- All existing IRB membership will be aligned into four central IRB panels, centralizing review for greater consistency and expanded expertise. Panels will meet during the first four weeks of each month to increase review frequency.
What You Need to Do
Keep submitting in your current system—either Huron or IRBNet. Non-committee reviews will continue as usual, with no disruption.
Stay aware of full committee meeting dates. One panel will meet in Huron and three in IRBNet to balance review workload. Full committee submissions will be triaged by HRPP to the appropriate agenda—no action is needed on your part.
Find more information on training for the HRPP Toolkit and the Huron system (coming later) below.
Visit the Alignment webpage for detailed information, and to submit comments or feedback. Keep an eye on our newsletter for regular updates.
- Plan to attend a Town Hall. A series of sessions is scheduled in December to hear live updates and ask questions. Sign up on the Alignment webpage.
Training and Support
Targeted training sessions and educational materials are now available on the Alignment webpage to support a smooth transition. These resources are tailored to meet the needs of research staff and faculty at all levels, and we encourage all teams to participate as their schedules allow.
Resources include:
Links to training materials for HRPP Toolkit and Huron IRB
Transition readiness checklists for data migration to Huron IRB
Updated guidance materials
We want to emphasize that training is not mandatory. It is intended as a support resource, which you may find most useful once you are actively engaged in research activities.
We’re Here to Support You
We recognize that transitions of this scale can feel overwhelming and raise questions. Our teams are working closely together to ensure the process is as seamless as possible. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We welcome your questions and feedback.
Additionally, Brown Regulatory Advisors are available to assist with planning human subjects research and navigating the IRB submission process. Engaging them early can help streamline your review and set your project up for success. This resource is available to all, including Brown University Health and Care New England, and is available now.
Together, we’re building a more unified and responsive research oversight environment for all.
With appreciation,
The Brown University Human Research Protection Program
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.
