The WCM Institutional Review Board (IRB) Education and Training Sessions (METS) are monthly sessions designed to provide education and training on key topics related to human subjects research and IRB regulations. These sessions cover important aspects of the research process, ethical considerations, and compliance requirements to ensure that researchers are well-equipped to conduct their studies in an ethical and responsible manner. Researchers, study coordinators, faculty, and staff involved in human subjects research are encouraged to attend these sessions to enhance their understanding and knowledge of research ethics and regulatory requirements. Join us each month to expand your expertise and ensure the highest ethical standards in your research endeavors.
We are excited to announce the re-launch of the IRB’s Monthly Educational Training Series (METS) for 2025! This enhanced program is designed to provide comprehensive and dynamic education for the WCM research community, ensuring researchers and staff stay informed, compliant, and empowered to excel.
To enhance accessibility and flexibility, all sessions will be recorded, forming the foundation of a robust IRB training library. In addition, existing METS topics on the website will be revisited and refreshed to ensure they remain engaging, up-to-date, and aligned with current best practices and regulations.
sIRB 101: Submitting Your Study to the IRB: A Guide
An introduction to the Single IRB (sIRB) process, key requirements, and how to navigate WRG-HS.
Wednesday 4/30/2025, 11-12 pm
Register HERE
sIRB 201: Post initial submissions
A deep dive into post-initial submissions, including continuing reviews (CRs), post-approval monitoring (PAM), amendments, reportable events (RE), and study closures.
Wednesday 5/14/2025, 11-12 pm
Register HERE
6/19/25: IRB101: An Introduction to the WCM IRB (register here)
7/17/25: The Informed Consent Form: Regulatory Requirements and Ethical Obligations (register here)
Missed a METS session? View the recorded presentation below:
Presented February 15, 2024 by
Isabel Bustamante
Human Research QA and Education Manager
Human Research Protections
In this session we provide a step-by-step review of the components of the IRB Review Application (IRA) form, and guide you in completing the form accurately and completely. Attendees will gain insight into crafting a thorough and well-structured IRA, addressing key elements such as research design, participant recruitment, informed consent, and data management.
Download the slides from this presentation: Understanding the IRB Review Application slide handout
View the presentation: Understanding the IRB Review Application presentation recording
Presented March 2023 by
Kaori Kubo Germano, Ph.D.
Sr. Manager, Clinical Research Education & Communications
Human Research Compliance
The focus of this session is to provide a step-by-step walk through of the IRB submission process, beginning with accessing the Weill Research Gateway-Human Subjects (WRG-HS) and Oncore, through the certification of your application. We will discuss the new IRB Review Application Forms, the required Key Information Section for Informed Consent Forms, and when Ancillary Reviews must take place, and how. This session is geared to new investigators preparing to submit an IRB application for their study, as well as research team members who may want to re-familiarize themselves with the process.
Download the slides from this presentation: Submitting an IRB Application - A Step-by-Step Guide handout
View the presentation: Submitting an IRB Application - A Step-by-Step Guide recording
presented November 16, 2023 by
German Jimenez
Human Research Compliance and Reliance Manager
Human Research Compliance
with a special appearance by
Lauren Gripp
Director of Clinical Trials
Joint Clinical Trials Office
The goal of Single IRB review is to enhance and streamline the IRB review process for multi-site research so that research can proceed without compromising ethical principles and protections for human research participants. This presentation will help provide education to WCM investigators, study teams and research administrators on the concept of a Single IRB model in multi-site research.
After this educational session, you will be able to: (1) Understand what Single IRB review is; (2) Recognize what types of studies must comply; (3) Explain the overall process for obtaining Single IRB review; (4) Plan for Single IRB review for a multi-site research study.
Download the slides from this presentation: Single IRB: An Overview handout
View the presentation: Single IRB: An Overview recording
presented September 14, 2023 by
Kaori Kubo Germano, Ph.D.
Clinical Research Program Manager
Human Research Compliance
In this session we present a brief history of the evolution of human subjects protections in research and the general ethical principles guiding research regulations. We also provide an overview of the various regulations that govern the responsible conduct of human subjects research and when they apply. This is an excellent opportunity for research team members to learn about the role of the IRB in ensuring that all human subjects research conducted within an organization meets the applicable guidelines and regulations governing the research.
Download the slides from this presentation: Regulating Research: Research Ethics and the Responsible Conduct of Research handout
View the presentation: Regulating Research: Research Ethics and the Responsible Conduct of Research recording
presented December 14, 2023 by
Kaori Kubo Germano, PhD
Clinical Research Program Manager
In this session we provide an overview of the regulatory requirements underlying one of the most important documents in human subjects research, the Informed Consent Form (ICF). We will review the essential elements of the ICF, when a waiver is warranted and how to address the criteria for waiver or documentation and waiver of consent, and tips for creating an ICF that the IRB can approve. This presentation will provide essential information for the responsible conduct of research and is recommended for all study team members.
Download the slides from this presentation: Informed Consent in Research: Regulatory Requirements, Ethical Considerations, and Creating Your Informed Consent Forms handout
View the presentation: Informed Consent in Research: Regulatory Requirements, Ethical Considerations, and Creating Your Informed Consent Forms recording
presented 8/17/2023 by
Kaori Kubo Germano, Ph.D.
Clinical Research Program Manager
Human Research Compliance
In this session we provide an overview of the WCM IRB and answer some of the more common questions we receive, including when an IRB review is required, how to prepare a submission, types of IRB review, and common causes of delays, among others. While open to everyone, this is an excellent opportunity for new research team members to familiarize themselves with the WCM IRB.
Download the slides from this presentation: IRB101: Introduction to the WCM IRB handout
presented October 19, 2023 by
Kaori Kubo Germano, PhD
Sr. Manager, Clinical Research Education & Communications
Human Research Protections
The goal of this presentation is to provide WCM investigators with an understanding of FDA regulatory requirements when conducting research involving drugs and/or medical devices. This is an excellent opportunity for clinical research team members to learn about the sometimes hard-to-navigate requirements set forth by the FDA, and to receive answers to any questions you may have about the applicable guidelines and regulations governing your research.
Download the slides from this presentation: HRP METS: FDA Regulated Research handout
View the presentation: HRP METS: FDA Regulated Research recording
presented February 16, 2023 by
Kaori Kubo Germano, Ph.D.
Sr. Manager, Clinical Research Education & Communications
Human Research Compliance
In this session, we review the IRB’s role as Privacy Board by exploring the different regulatory pathways to utilizing Protected Health Information (PHI) in research according to the Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996. Discussion will include how to determine when your research needs a full or partial HIPAA waiver as opposed to prospective HIPAA Authorization from subjects, and other scenarios. We’ll also discuss what you can do to protect research subjects’ PHI when transmitting it via email and how to report to the IRB in the event of an accidental disclosure.
Download the slides from this presentation: Data Security in Research: PHI, Email, HIPAA, and You handout
View the presentation: Data Security in Research: PHI, Email, HIPAA, and You recording
Presented March 14, 2024 by
Rui Frreira, MA, CIP
Associate Director, HRP
In this session, we review and provide clarification on commonly misunderstood topics surrounding the purpose of the Institutional Review Board and its related processes. This session is particularly helpful for new researchers and research team members who may not be familiar with the workings of an IRB, as well as research professionals seeking clarifications on their understanding of IRB processes.
Download the slides from this presentation: IRB FAQs, Facts. & Fiction handout
View the Presentation: IRB FAQs, Facts, & Fiction recording
Presented April 18, 2024 by
Jessica Ordax, CIP
Sr. IRB Analyst, HRP
Karen Hawkins, CIP
Sr. IRB Analyst, HRP
In this session, we will dive into the inner workings of IRB pre-review and review processes as we pull back the curtain to reveal the steps and considerations involved in ensuring ethical research practices.
Download the slides from this presentation: Pulling Back the Curtain: A look into IRB Pre-Review and Review
View the Presentation: Pulling Back the Curtain: A look into IRB Pre-Review and Review recording
presented June 13, 2024 by
Rui Ferreira
Associate Director, HRP
Please join us for our next METS session presented by our very own Sr. Research Navigator, Yefrenia Henriquez Taveras. The goal of this presentation is to provide researchers with effective tips for completing a successful IRB application. This presentation will help provide education to WCM investigators, study teams and research administrators on describing basic requirements for successful submissions to the IRB and minimizing common errors that may delay submission progression.
Download the slides from this presentation: Tips & Tricks for Successful IRB Submission and Review handout
View the presentation: Tips & Tricks for Successful IRB Submission and Review Recording
