At WMed, we believe that research is at the forefront of the advancement of knowledge through innovation and discovery. The Human Research Protection Program (HRPP) is a key component of WMed’s research strategy. The HRPP, in collaboration with the local research community, is responsible for ensuring the ethical and equitable treatment of all human subjects in research conducted at, under the auspices of, or using the services or resources of the medical school.
Our Accredited Program Promotes High Quality Research
WMed achieved full re-accreditation by the Association for the Accreditation of Human Research Protection Programs, Inc. (AAHRPP) in June of 2023.
As the "gold seal," AAHRPP accreditation offers assurances—to research participants, researchers, sponsors, government regulators, and the general public—that an HRPP is committed to scientifically and ethically sound research and continuous improvement.
IRB News
Welcome Madeline Rosenberger, Human Research Protections Program Specialist
Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Madeline Rosenberger, BS, who has joined our team as a Human Research Protections Program Specialist within Research Compliance. Madeline will be working under the guidance of HRPP Director Maureen Owens, MM, CIP.
Madeline brings a robust background to this role, rooted in her B.S. in Neuroscience from the University of Michigan. Her previous experience at the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Larry Hillblom Islet Research Center, where she advanced from Laboratory Assistant to Staff Research Associate, provided her with invaluable insights into the intricacies of scientific research. At UCLA, she was actively involved in exploring the use of iPSCs and oligonucleotides as therapeutics for type I and type II diabetes. Her contributions to several notable journal articles, including research on the HIF-1alpha/PFKFB3 stress response pathway in beta cells and the development of a mouse model for gestational diabetes, underscore her strong research acumen.
After relocating to her hometown of Kalamazoo, MI, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Madeline served as the Quality Control Manager at a local chemical manufacturer. In this role, she led the site’s laboratory and gained significant experience in quality control and industrial research & development, further honing her understanding of compliance and meticulous operational procedures.
As a Human Research Protections Program Specialist, Madeline will be a vital asset to our team. Her comprehensive background in research, coupled with her recent experience in compliance and quality control, will undoubtedly enhance our team's commitment to protecting human subjects and ensuring the highest standards of ethical research.
Process to Assist with Research Development
A process has been implemented to improve communication during research protocol development. The process begins with the completion of a Project Request & Triage Form. Once the form is submitted, you will be contacted to set up the appropriate meeting(s) and/or connect you with the appropriate resources. If you have any questions about the form, please contact Morgan Brown at morgan.brown@wmed.edu.
Updated Researcher Guidebook Now Available
The latest and most up-to-date version of the HRPP and IRB Researcher Guidebook is now available on the WMed website. For more information, go to the Researcher Guidebook webpage.
New Protocol Templates Available
There is now a protocol template specifically for secondary use of identifiable private health information; A cross-sectional study design template for survey studies or taking physical or biochemical measures at a single point in time. And lastly, educational studies trying to determine the effectiveness of a particular type of instruction, or trying to assess the educational needs or backgrounds of students. They are available on the Forms & Templates webpage under Protocol Templates.