From the NIH Press Release (March 3, 2020):

Certificates of Confidentiality protect identifiable, sensitive research information from disclosure. While Certificates of Confidentiality are issued automatically for NIH-funded research, non-NIH funded research that collects identifiable, sensitive information can request a certificate.

NIH has updated its Certificate of Confidentiality request process for non-NIH funded research through a new online system. The new system simplifies the request process by using self-certification statements and shortened text fields,...

Read more about New Certificates of Confidentiality System for Non-NIH Funded Research

Are you a Harvard University Area researcher who is collaborating with a Harvard Medical School researcher?  Have you ever wondered why a reliance agreement is needed when you work with another Harvard researcher?  It’s almost like we are two separate institutions!  Well, we are, or at least in regard to how the Harvard IRBs are set up. Since the Harvard IRBs work independently of each other, if a Harvard University Area researcher (Cambridge and Allston campus) is working with a Harvard Longwood Campus Area researcher, it is like being at separate...

Read more about NEW! Harvard IRBs Master Agreement

The IRB Office will be closed during the Harvard Winter Recess - December 24th at noon through January 1st.  The IRB Office will re-open on Thursday, January 2nd.  No IRB submissions will be reviewed during this time. Thank you for your understanding and Happy Holidays!

Why is this change happening?

As you know, all research that receives a data security level (DSL) assignment of 3, 4, or 5 requires review by HUIT. While HUIT DSL 3 must be reviewed within a one-year time frame, HUIT review of DSL 4 and DSL 5 has been required prior to IRB approval. With the recent changes to the federal regulations governing human subject protections, many studies that received a DSL 3 used the continuing review timepoint as a “due date” for the DSL 3 HUIT review. As continuing review is no longer a requirement for many studies, a working group has been...

Read more about Starting June 1, Data Security Level 3 will require HUIT approval prior to IRB approval