IRB InfoEd Updates 

The UConn IRB Office is EXCITED to announce that the updates to the IRB module of InfoEd will go-live later this Fall. The updated system will help streamline IRB submission and review processes, making it easier to keep track of your protocols and communications with the IRB staff, and streamline the review process. 

WHAT WILL BE DIFFERENT? 

• Consolidated Smart Forms: the application forms have been consolidated into a single Main Application form that uses logic to drive your experience.  

• Updated Protocol Templates:  Comprehensive protocol templates will be introduced with the goal of reducing back and forth during the review process. 

• Responding to IRB Feedback: System enhancements will make it easier for study teams to respond to IRB feedback.   

• Routing: Routing will be automated; submitters will not have to add the PI and Department Head to the route for review and sign-off.  

• Personnel Roles: Personnel roles will drive who on a study team is able to edit, manage, and submit submissions to the IRB and who receives messages. 

• Amendments: There will be two types of amendments: Personnel Changes and Amendments (for changes to the study itself or study materials). Only one amendment can be in process at any given time. 

• Ancillary Reviews: Questions are built into the application form that will determine the need for ancillary reviews and automatically inform the responsible office. 

• Reportable Information/Events: All reports of issues or information that is required to be reported to the IRB will be reported using a single smart form.   

• Administrative Check-Ins:  Studies that do not require continuing review will receive periodic notices to complete an administrative check-in or a study closure.  

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR EXISTING STUDIES? 

Most existing studies will need to be migrated to the updated application form for the system to work as intended. Migration will be required before continuing review (starting on February 25th 2025) or with the next submission to the IRB (for studies without continuing review). 

A study migration guide is forthcoming. 

Investigators are encouraged to close studies that are eligible for closure as soon as possible.  Studies are eligible for closure when: 

1. Enrollment is closed, 

1. Interactions and Interventions with participants are complete, 

1. Data collection is complete, and 

1. Analysis of identifiable information and/or identifiable biospecimens for the purposes of the current research is complete. 

1. When the UConn IRB is serving as the IRB of record for other sites, the study may be closed when all sites meet the above criteria. 

Simply maintaining identifiable data/biospecimens without using, studying, or analyzing the data/biospecimens does not require an open protocol with the IRB.  

IS TRAINING AVAILABLE? 

Research Integrity & Compliance will offer weekly training opportunities both in-person and online via WebEx or Teams. They are open to all UConn faculty, staff, and students. A recorded session will be made available for those unable to attend in person. 

Sign up for an online or in-person training session on our InfoEd Training webpage.

WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE? 

The IRB Office (irb@uconn.edu) is always available to answer any questions you may have.  

How-To Guides with step-by-step instructions will also be made available including: 

• InfoEd Guide for Researchers 

• InfoEd Guide for Ancillary Reviewers 

• InfoEd Guide for Department Reviewers 

• InfoEd Guide for IRB Members 

 

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