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
- 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”.
- Study team will be notified through IRBNet when submission to the IRB is allowed.
- After IRB approval, package will be unlocked to add/replace IRB approval letter and IRB approved documents.
- Final privacy review will be conducted so study can be forwarded for Research & Development Committee (R&DC) review/approval.
- Approval letter from ACOS for Research will be uploaded as a board document in IRBNet.
- New Studies Checklist - Additional forms located under “Forms and Templates” in IRBNet
- New Human Studies Checklist - Full Board, Expedited, and Exempt Studies
- Submit New Study Forms to “STVHCS R&D Administration” for pre-review in prior to IRB submission. See Training Energizer: Researcher 1
-
New Study Submission -Non-Human -Non-Regulated Research
- 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”.
- Final privacy review (if required) will be conducted so study can be forwarded for Research & Development Committee (R&DC) review/approval.
- Approval letter from ACOS for Research will be uploaded as a board document in IRBNet.
- New Studies Checklists - Additional forms located under “Forms and Templates” in IRBNet
- New Human Studies Checklist - Non-human and funded non-regulated research
- New Human Studies Checklist - Unfunded non-regulated research
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).
For studies followed by an IRB, R&D Committee must approve 1) enrollment of non-Veterans at STVHCS (not previously approved), 2) changes in data access, use, disclosure, or storage; 3) addition or expanded use of institutional resources; 4) changes in PI or addition of Co-PI.
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.
-
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
- Training Energizer: New User Registration (create account, manage affiliations, maintain training records)
Help Documents For Researchers/Study Coordinators
- Training Energizer: Researcher 1 (create, share and submit a project; access review decisions & board documents)
- Training Energizer: Researcher 2 (post-submission topics; create a new package for modifications, renewals, etc.)
- (accepting all VA CIRB submissions in IRBNet)
- My COI Study Team Training Document (financial conflict of interest (FCOI) forms are now required in IRBNet)
South Texas Veterans Health Care System (STVHCS) Standard Operating Procedures
- 23-42 Documentation of Research Study Procedures in the Patients’ Health Record
- 18-50 Handling of Research Suspensions and Terminations
- 19-13 Training and Research Clearance
- 21-20 Handling of Research Non-Compliance and/or Reportable Incidents/Unexpected Events Involving Research Safety and Laborator…
- 22-21 Laboratory Security
- 22-26 Human Subject Concerns / Complaints / Allegations of Research
- 24-39 Human Subjects Research Recruitment and Advertising
- 22-48 Reporting of Unanticipated Problems Involving Risks to Subjects and Others (UPIRSO), Unanticipated Adverse Device Effects…
- 22-49 Handling of Research Non-Compliance Involving Human Subjects
- 22-52 Protocol Management for VA Approved Human Subject Research Projects
- 23-22 Managing Financial Conflict of Interest in Research
- 23-29 Training for Research involving Human Subjects
- 23-37 Correspondence and Communication between the Research and Development (R&D) Office and Components of the Human Research P…
- 23-43 Procedures for Submission, Review and Approval of Research Projects
- 25-40 Clinical Research Monitoring Visits
Contacts
Research Funding/Grants
Or New Research Investigator to set up appointment with Associate Chief of Staff for Research