RAMS IRB – VCU’s electronic submission system

VCU’s Human Research Protection Program (HRPP) is transitioning to a new IRB submission system in summer 2025. The new system is called:

VCU IRB system

VIRBs

The last day to submit your study in RAMS is July 11 (submissions requiring full board review and reliance applications) / July 18 (all other submissions).

The new system will re-open for submissions on August 7.

Most active non-exempt research undergoing continuing review and still enrolling participants will be required to transition to a protocol template (if a protocol is not already included in the submission) at some point in the coming year. Review “first touch options” below for study-specific considerations and flexible, PI-driven options for this transition timeline.

The HRPP has received so much valuable feedback from the VCU research community during the VIRBs transition period. We are grateful for our dedicated research communities and all of the feedback we have received. Over the next couple weeks, we would appreciate hearing from you again. Please take some time to complete this brief feedback form at the link provided below. The survey link will be posted for a brief period of time during this last stretch leading up to the VIRBs go-live.

Feedback survey

Reporting for single patient access and emergency uses of FDA regulated products should be made directly to the HRPP at 804-828-0868 or at hrpp@vcu.edu.

Required reports of new information may be made using HRP-214 - FORM - Reportable new information; submit to hrpp@vcu.edu. Please reference HRP-103 - Investigator manual to determine reporting requirements.

This page has all guidance and training related to the VIRBs. Refer to the FAQ's posted on this page for specific guidance on operations during the downtime period.

To ensure a smooth transfer to VIRBs, all reliance applications must be finalized in RAMS IRB by July 31, 2025. This means the external IRB's approval letter and approved consents must be uploaded to RAMS IRB before this deadline. Once submitted, staff will verify the documents and finalize your application.

If your reliance application isn't finalized by July 31, 2025, you will need to reload it in VIRBs once the system goes live on August 7, 2025. The new SmartForm is concise, and you can simply upload your existing documents; no additional ancillary reviews will be required.

Your study will receive a new HM# in VIRBs. If you need this new HM# to align with your current one from RAMS, please email your request to irbreliance@VCU.edu with the subject line: Align VIRB HM# to RAMS HM#. Staff will work with IT to update the study reference number.