Your look at all things HRPP at Brown University, Brown University Health, and Care New England.
December 22, 2025
A Year-End Message to the Research Community
As we wrap up the year, we want to say thank you for your continued collaboration and commitment to high-quality research, and extend our appreciation to everyone who attended the HRPP Town Hall. The recording is available on the HRPP website.
When we return in 2026, we’ll start an exciting phase of aligning our Human Research Protection Program (HRPP) operations. As we move through the new year, a number of enhancements will be introduced gradually, allowing time for adjustment, learning, and feedback along the way.
We recognize that change can be challenging. Over the past several months, we have been preparing the research community for this transition, and we are confident that you are ready. We believe these changes will result in clearer processes, greater consistency, and an overall improved experience for research teams.
We also want to acknowledge the recent tragic events that have affected our community; during a difficult time, we have been moved by the care, solidarity, and sense of community that has emerged. The latest information can be found on brown.edu.
Winter Break Office Closure
The HRPP office will be closed from December 23–January 5. HRPP Leadership will remain available for urgent issues. A survey link for high-risk items will be posted on the HRPP website and included in automatic replies from irb@brown.edu and the HRPP team.
Both Huron and IRBNet will remain accessible, but non-urgent submissions will be reviewed after the office reopens on January 5.
Aligned IRB Panels Starting 2026
Panel 1: Huron IRB (Brown University users)
Panels 2–4: IRBNet (BUH and CNE users)
The IRB meeting schedule and additional details about panel operations are available on the HRPP website. We will continue using IRBNet and Huron until all research can transition into Huron IRB later in the year.
Single IRB (sIRB) Application Process
Starting in January, we are implementing a single application process for new sIRB projects, eliminating the need to submit separate applications in IRBNet and Huron.
To support this, we have created a cover memo that reflects what the future Huron application will look like. It is available in all IRBNet libraries and on the HRPP Toolkit page. Additional information on how this process will work is being added to the HRPP website.
Investigators with new sIRB projects are encouraged to contact the Single IRB team at reliance@brown.edu to discuss their specific study requirements.
Looking Ahead to 2026
We encourage all research teams to review training materials and familiarize themselves with the HRPP Toolkit, including forms, templates, SOPs, worksheets, and checklists.
We will also begin preparing for the migration of data from IRBNet to Huron, as we move toward the final phase of transitioning all research activity into Huron IRB. Advance notice and guidance will be provided to ensure a smooth transition.
In Closing
This season of change is also a reminder of how important and valued our research community is. We are grateful to work alongside you and proud to count you as part of our community.
Wishing you a restful winter break and a happy, healthy New Year.
Warm regards,
The HRPP Team
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.
