VAIRRS is the VA's enterprise version of IRBNet, a web-based software used by administrators, committee members, and researchers for electronic protocol submission/management and review and oversight of research.

All submissions (e.g., new protocols, amendments, continuing reviews, closures) must be submitted electronically via VAIRRS. E-mail and hard copy submissions will not be accepted. 

  • New Study Submission -Full Board -Expedited -Exempt
    1.  Submit New Study Forms to “STVHCS R&D Administration” for pre-review in prior to IRB submission.  See Training Energizer: Researcher 1
      • IRB submission / review is not allowed until VA Preliminary Review is complete.
      • Do not submit directly to “STVHCS R&D Committee” or “STVHCS R&D SRS/IBC Committee”.  
    2. Study team will be notified through IRBNet when submission to the IRB is allowed.
    3. After IRB approval, package will be unlocked to add/replace IRB approval letter and IRB approved documents.
    4. Final privacy review will be conducted so study can be forwarded for Research & Development Committee (R&DC) review/approval.
    5. Approval letter from ACOS for Research will be uploaded as a board document in IRBNet.
    6. New Studies Checklist - Additional forms located under “Forms and Templates” in IRBNet
  • New Study Submission -Non-Human -Non-Regulated Research
    1. Submit New Study Forms to “STVHCS R&D Administration” and include IRB determination letter.  Do not submit directly to “STVHCS R&D Committee” or “STVHCS R&D SRS/IBC Committee”.  
    2. Final privacy review (if required) will be conducted so study can be forwarded for Research & Development Committee (R&DC) review/approval.
    3. Approval letter from ACOS for Research will be uploaded as a board document in IRBNet.
    4. New Studies Checklists - Additional forms located under “Forms and Templates” in IRBNet

    Please note that projects that receive a non-regulated research determination from the IRB (e.g., quality improvement, program evaluations, implementation research) do not need to be submitted to the R&D Service through IRBNet if they are unfunded.  If funded by a national VA Research Service (e.g., VA HSR&D) or non-VA entity (e.g., PCORI), the project should be submitted to the R&D Service via IRBNet.  IRB non-regulated research determinations for a funded project can be submitted to IRBNet after IRB determination.  If you think your project might be eligible for a non-regulated research determination (or are not sure), please contact the IRB. 

  • Continuing Review for an Existing Project

    If you need to submit a continuing review for an existing project, you need to create a new package within the existing project. See Training Energizer: Researcher 2. This will ensure that your submission is linked to the existing project.  DO NOT create a new project.

    IRBNet reminder notifications indicate which form is required.  If unsure, review the instructions at the top of each form or contact VAHumanResearch@uthscsa.edu

  • Amendment/ Modification for an Existing Project

    If you need to submit a modification for an existing project, you need to create a new package within the existing project. See Training Energizer: Researcher 2. This will ensure that your submission is linked to the existing project.  DO NOT create a new project.

    The R&D Committee must approve all modifications/amendments of studies not followed by an IRB (e.g. research that is exempt from the common rule determined by a non-UTHSA IRB and/or research involving only non-human subjects data or only animal data). 

    R&D Committee (R&DC) Amendment Application

    For studies followed by an IRB, R&D Committee must approve the enrollment of non-Veterans at STVHCS (not previously approved). 

    If your amendment does not meet criteria indicated above, submit a summary of the changes (in the submission e-mail) and modified documents in IRBNet.  An acknowledgement will be received through IRBNet after administrative review for UT IRB studies. Non-exempt IRB studies using a non-UT IRB will be forwarded to R&DC for informational purposes only.

  • Personnel Change for an Existing Project

    If you need to submit a personnel change for an existing project, you need to create a new package within the existing project. See Training Energizer: Researcher 2. This will ensure that your submission is linked to the existing project.  DO NOT create a new project.

    Personnel are no longer listed on UTHSA IRB forms

    All personnel changes should be submitted on the VA-Project Cover Sheet in IRBNet.

  • Inactivation for an Existing Project

    If you need to submit an inactivation for an existing project, you need to create a new package within the existing project. See Training Energizer: Researcher 2. This will ensure that your submission is linked to the existing project.  DO NOT create a new project.

IRBNet Registration and Training -  

Investigators can self-register for a VAIRRS account from virtually any computer and submit protocols at gov.irbnet.org.  VAIRRS does not require a connection to the VA network.

New Registration & User Profile Instructions

Help Documents For Researchers/Study Coordinators

 

Contacts

Research Funding/Grants
Or New Research Investigator to set up appointment with Associate Chief of Staff for Research

Research Privileges
E.g. Training / WOC / IPAAs

Safety Research Subcommittee (SRS/IBC)
And/or lab-only studies

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