The Columbia University Medical Center IRB Office is pleased to announce continuation of IRB Consultation Hours.  Implemented in fall 2009, this service provides an opportunity for researchers to stop into the IRB office and meet with an IRB professional to discuss regulatory, policy, and procedural questions.  The service provides regularly-scheduled hours as a means to increase IRB/investigator interactions.

The weekly sessions are scheduled Tuesdays for one (1) hour.  No appointments are necessary.

The number of staff members available for consultation is dictated by the number of individuals who take advantage of this opportunity to have questions answered face-to-face.  Attendees should sign in at the IRB receptionist desk and will meet with IRB staff on a first-come-first-served basis.  If situations warrant, individual consultations may be limited to 15 minutes.

For a list of upcoming IRB Consultation Hours please visit: http://www.cumc.columbia.edu/dept/irb/

Important Note:   If you have questions about a protocol that has already been submitted to the IRB, please contact the staff members who administer the IRB to which the protocol is assigned rather than bringing those questions to a Consultation Hours session.  Staff contact information may be obtained on the IRB website:  http://www.cumc.columbia.edu/dept/irb/

Researchers may also call during the IRB Consultation Hours for a consultation:  (212) 305-5883.

We remain excited about this initiative as it will allow for efficient, personalized interaction with researchers on a more frequent basis.