Clinical Research Times

September 30, 2026

Dear Colleague:

This month’s Feature Article describes BMC Health System’s process for reviewing and managing research conflicts of interest (COI); and the steps researchers need to take to disclose their outside relationships and financial interests.

Also check out:

• “Things to Know”
  • On new/revised HRPP Policies and Procedures effective 9/16/26, including changes to consent requirements for screening procedures; information regarding SSN/ITIN collection for Candex, BU’s new third-party subject payment platform; and a move to concurrent ancillary department sign-off and IRB review
  • On the IRB Global Reliance Agreements now in effect between the BMC/BUMC IRB and the Boston University Charles River Campus (CRC) IRB, which streamline multisite collaborative research
• “Getting to Know ClinicalTrials.gov” for clarification on CTgov registration and reporting requirements following NIH’s May 2026 policy change for Basic Experimental Studies Involving Humans (BESH)
•  “The CRRO Corner” on upcoming trainings (Fundamentals in the Conduct of Clinical Research and Principal Investigator Role training), as well as the Clinical Research Seminar and RPN Workshop calendars for the 2026–2027 academic year
• “Dear IRB” for guidance on whether an amendment is required for adding new recruitment methods to an exempt study (e.g., social media, a personal website)

Learn more at www.bu.edu/crtimes.

Matthew Ogrodnik, MS, CIP, Editor, CR TIMES
Director, Office of Human Research Affairs