The VDSS human research committee, known as the Institutional Review Board (IRB), ensures human subjects research will be conducted in compliance with federal and state statutes and regulations. In SFY 2024, the IRB conducted 25 reviews and determinations for new and ongoing research studies. This included seven studies that were determined exempt from IRB oversight. In addition, the IRB implemented a new policy requiring that investigators and their research staff be current on their human research protection training, while the study is under review or ongoing. The membership of the IRB has remained stable over the last two years. There were significant changes in leadership at VDSS, including the appointment of a new Commissioner (James Williams, former SHHR Deputy Secretary). The new Commissioner is considering making new appointments to the IRB in SFY 2025.

In FY 2024, the VDSS IRB engaged in educating state staff about the necessity of human research protection and the IRB’s oversight role. Going into the next year, the IRB will start the process of purchasing an online system for IRB management that the submission and review processes more efficient for administrators, board members, and research investigators.