Beginning June 1, COMIRB will be systematically phasing out Exempt, Expedited, and Full Board paper submissions of all types including:
- Initial Submissions,
- Continuing Reviews,
- Unanticipated Problem Reports, and
- Amendments.
Instead, we will begin to only accept submissions via the eRA(InfoEd) system. Submissions will be made by downloading new PDF “Smart Forms” provided through the COMIRB website,
completing those forms, then uploading those forms and their supporting documents into the eRA(InfoEd) system. Our new PDF “Smart Forms” adjust their content appropriately
based on how questions are answered, allowing for faster and easier submissions than with our current Microsoft Word forms.
We call this submission type "ePaper" because you will be downloading documents from the COMIRB website, then uploading them into eRA(InfoEd). Investigators will also be able to submit research protocols (studies) for review and check the status of their research protocols (studies) anywhere with internet access.
We know that this transition will create some challenges, and we are preparing a wealth of resources to assist investigators: written directions, along with workshops, and one-on-one guidance will be available. We will also be offering a weekly training course for ePaper submissions. We strongly suggest that you attend the course before attempting to make a submission electronically. Click here for more information.
Some of you may have submitted research protocols (studies) for Exempt and Expedited review by filling out an electronic Application Form generated by the eRA(InfoEd) system. Those protocols (studies) that currently utilize the electronic Application Form generated by the eRA(InfoEd) system will not be required to update to the "Smart PDF" version of the Application Form.
For new protocols (studies), we will phase out the electronic Application Form generated by the eRA(InfoEd) system, and instead require that you download a PDF "Smart Form" version of the Application Form provided through the COMIRB website, then upload this PDF form into eRA(InfoEd).
Please note that research protocols (studies) that are currently approved using the electronic Application Form generated by the eRA(InfoEd) system will not be required to submit a new PDF “Smart Form” version of the Application Form.
Though the electronic Application Form generated by the eRA(InfoEd) system will not be available, other electronic forms (including the electronic Change Form, electronic
Unanticipated Problem Form, and electronic Routing Form) will still be used.
As we make this transition, the type of submission that you can make for research protocols (studies) will depend on the Panel you are submitting to.
Please select the appropriate link below for further information on how to submit: