Research Insights

Attention human research investigators: We recognize and value UGA investigators’ experience and expertise in conducting research projects. Further, we understand the demands on researchers’ time, and we strive to create systems and infrastructure that provide a high level of research project management support. However, the PI is ultimately accountable for ensuring that individual research projects meet all reporting and approval requirements. While the IRB portal is programmed to send courtesy reminders at 90, 60 and 30 days prior to a study’s expiration date, this system does not replace the responsibility of PIs to be aware of the approval period for research studies.

We strongly urge investigators to have multiple tools and safeguards to ensure that they meet regulatory and institutional requirements pertaining to continuing review and maintaining approval of human research projects. Setting up calendar reminders for 30 days prior to study expiration is one possible method.

Please remember that all human research procedures related to the approved project must stop when approval expires until a new approval period is granted. When research activities are complete, the PI is responsible for closing the project in the IRB portal, even if the project was for a student’s thesis or dissertation.

Please contact the Human Subject Office at IRB@uga.edu or 706-542-3199 if you have any questions about continuing review and expiration of IRB approval. More information is available in our Policies and Procedures and on the Human Research Protection Program website.