October 30, 2012

Please note that the IRB was closed on 10/29/2012 and 10/30/2012 due to the University closure for the storm.  Incoming items received through the electronic submission system or received via paper will be processed in the order they were received starting on 10/31/2012.  The review timeline for items submitted will be delayed by the two day period of the office closure.  If you have an item that requires rush review, please contact the Administrator for the Board assigned to the review to request this and the Administrator will provide an updated review timeline for that submission.  Please limit rush requests to only those items that warrant a rush review.

February 2012

Please visit the Forms page of the IRB website for the most recent version of the informed consent form template. The informed consent form templates have been revised to include standard language to describe the reporting requirements for certain infectious diseases and have been updated to include new language describing the inclusion of research results in the electronic medical record (EMR). The language related to research results and the EMR will be required for most studies as of February 1, 2012. For more information please visit the Guides page for a new guidance document on the required language.  Please visit the training page for information on upcoming training sessions that discuss the new required language.

February 2012 

The Office of the Vice Provost for Research (OVPR) in partnership with the Division of Information Systems and Computing has developed a web-based application (FIDES) as the sole means for disclosure of financial interests and relationships related to participation in specific research projects. Individuals will be able to log in to FIDES with their PennKey and Password to submit eDisclosures at any time via FIDES using a Penn-supported web browser. As of Wednesday February 1, 2012, paper disclosures will no longer be accepted by the OVPR and should no longer be uploaded in the HS-ERA application. If a member of your study team has a conflict of interest to disclose, please visit: https://fides.isc-seo.upenn.edu/

August 23 2011

IMPORTANT:  Please note that electronic submission of new initial human subjects research protocols via HS-ERA will become required no later than 9/19/2011.  This includes research that is believed to qualify for exemption from IRB review (HS-ERA will replace both paper submissions and RFE), research that qualifies for expedited review or research that requires convened review.   This system will also be used to seek verification from the IRB that a submission either does not meet the definition of research or does not meet the definition of using human subjects. The IRB will offer sessions that provide hands-on training for those who are unfamiliar with the HS-ERA system.  Please review our training schedule for the Fall for these offerings. If you have any questions or require assistance in order to be electronically compatible to use HS-ERA by the proposed date, please contact either Tracy Ziolek ( This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or 215-746-6272) or Pearette Allen ( This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or 215-573-1005).

For a schedule of HS-ERA trainings, please visit the Training page of the IRB website. To register for a training, please visit KnowledgeLink at http://knowledgelink.upenn.edu. The Fall Workshops are available under the “Catalog” tab, listed under the courses offered by the Office of Regulatory Affairs.  

August 2011

The IRB has released a new guidance document for researchers who conduct NIH supported or conducted Genome Wide Association Studies. The document summarizes the IRB’s policies and submission/review procedures for IRB Certification Letters for submission of data to NIH GWAS registries. For more details, please visit the guidance page of the IRB website.

Human Subjects Electronic Research Application  is a secure, web based protocol application that allows the creation, submission, routing, and approval of IRB applications.  The application is available to researchers at Penn with a valid PennKey and password at https://medley.isc-seo.upenn.edu/hsProtocol/jsp/fast.do

September 10, 2012

ARIES Updates

The ARIES system was recently updated to streamline the review process with regards to seconary reviews (Compliance, Diagnostics, and EHRS)...

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April 4, 2012

ARIES and PennERA Updates

Several modifications and improvements have recently been made to the ARIES system.  Some important changes are detailed below...

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January 9, 2012

ARIES Updates

Several modifications and improvements have recently been made to the ARIES system.  Some important changes are detailed below...

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New ARIES Training Dates

ARIES training sessions are available to researchers and research staff who create, review, or submit animal protocols.  These sessions will provide...

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IACUC Guidelines & Policies

The following Guidelines and Policies are either new or have been recently revised...

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OLAW Notices

Adoption and implementation of the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals: Eighth Edition (NOT-OD-12-020)...

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July 29, 2010

ARIES User Training Now Available

User training for the ARIES system is now available for researchers and research staff. Users can sign up for one of the 5 sessions through Knowledge Link.

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May 3, 2010

Animal Research Information & Electronic Submissions (ARIES)

Released on February 22, 2010, ARIES has seen two months of high activity. Over 340 people have used ARIES and 55% of all protocol submissions have been via ARIES.

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April 15, 2010

Guidance on Confirming Appropriate Charges to NIH Awards during Periods of Noncompliance for Activities Involving Animals (NOT-OD-10-081)

The Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (the compliance office within the NIH/PHS/DHHS) put forth a new notice clarifying a previous notice...

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April 19, 2010

Instructions for Completion & Technical Evaluation of the VAS in NIH Contract Proposals (NOT-OD-10-049)

The NIH put forth a new notice clarifying their requirement for completion of the Vertebrate Animal Sections in NIh proposals.

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October 2009

Form E now INACTIVE

Form E has been replaced with Knowledge Link training modules... 

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August 31, 2009

Challenge Grant Just-In-Time and IACUC Protocols

The Challenge Grant program and other federal awards related to the "Stimulus Package" will make their Just-In-Time notifications in the next few weeks...

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August 31, 2009

IACUC Guideline on Mouse Breeding and Cage Density and ULAR SOP Correction of Overcrowded Mouse Cages 

IACUC guideline on Mouse Breeding and Cage Density was approved by the IACUC in October 2008 and sent to the faculty in a previous "IACUC Announcement" in November 2008...

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August 31, 2009

Changes in the Training Program

The IACUC recently approved changes to the training program, including Occupational Health and Safety Program-Risk Assessment, "Conditionally Acceptable" Euthanasia, and "Aseptic Technique" Training...

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March 17, 2009
The Stimulus Package and IACUC Submissions
...In order to remain compliant with the federal-mandated protocol review requirements AND do so in a timely manner despite an increased volume of protocol submissions, the IACUC asks for the faculty’s assistance in assuring that this process runs smoothly...

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