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Establishing a Principal Investigator

OVERVIEW

This Quickguide outlines the steps for establishing the local context considerations for a Principal Investigator (PI) with the CIRB.

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

STEPS

Steps

PI OR DESIGNEE COMPLETES THE ANNUAL PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR WORKSHEET

The Annual Principal Investigator Worksheet helps establish the local context considerations for all research conducted by the PI.  This is the first step to allow a PI to open CIRB studies.  The Worksheet can be completed by either the PI or a designated member of the institution’s research staff.

The Annual Principal Investigator Worksheet is completed in IRBManager. 

The Annual Principal Investigator Worksheet provides details on local context considerations necessary for the CIRB to conduct a review.   This information includes descriptions of:  

  • Resources available to the PI
  • Consent form process and procedures
  • Processes for consenting individuals that do not speak English or require the use of a legally authorized representative
  • Safeguards for vulnerable populations
  • Assurances should a woman become pregnant during the study
Steps

PI OR DESIGNEE SUBMITS WORKSHEET

The PI or designee is responsible for submitting the Worksheet to the CIRB once it has been completed and reviewed locally. For more information, go to Completing the Annual Principal Investigator Worksheet.

Steps

CIRB OPERATIONS OFFICE CONDUCTS ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW

Once the Worksheet is submitted, it is sent to the CIRB Operations Office for administrative review. This process typically takes two weeks. If additional information is required, an email is sent to the person who submitted the Worksheet.  Revisions to the Worksheet are completed in IRBManager (see Step 1).

Steps

CIRB LOCAL CONTEXT COMMITTEE CONDUCTS REVIEW

Once the administrative review is complete, the Worksheet is sent to the CIRB Local Context Subcommittee for the local context review. This process typically takes five days. If additional information is required, an email is sent to the person who submitted the Worksheet.  Revisions to the Worksheet are completed in IRBManager (see Step 1).

Steps

CIRB OPERATIONS OFFICE GENERATES APPROVAL FOR PI

Once the Local Context Subcommittee approves the Worksheet, the CIRB Operations Office will generate the approval letter and send it to:

  • the PI
  • the person submitting the Worksheet, and
  • the Signatory Institution Primary Contact(s).
Steps

PI IS ABLE TO OPEN STUDIES WITH THE CIRB

The PI will be able to start opening studies with the CIRB after the following letters arereceived:
the approval letter for the Annual Principal Investigator Worksheet

  • ad copy of the approval letter for the Annual Signatory Institution Worksheet
  • and the Requirements Complete letter

For more information, go to Opening a Study.

USEFUL TIP

If you are a PI with an institution that is new to the CIRB, you can usually expect to receive the approval letter within four weeks of submitting the Annual Principal Investigator Worksheet.  If the submission is incomplete or if there are questions raised during the Administrative or Local Context Review, the process will take longer.
 

Posted: May 14, 2024