UCLA is requiring training in the protection of human research subjects to give researchers a clearer understanding of university policies and procedures as well as government regulations and ethical standards.

Nearly 2,000 researchers involved in human-subject research, including students and their faculty mentors, are currently undergoing or have completed training during two-hour sessions offered on campus and online through an interactive, Web-based program created at UCLA.

The deadline for training and certification of UCLA key personnel performing human research is Jan. 1, 2001.

UCLA’s new policy was set after the National Institutes of Health announced a similar mandate in June for scientists who were submitting NIH applications for grants, proposals for contracts or receiving new or non-competing continuation awards for research involving human subjects.

At UCLA, the Human Research Policy Board, chaired by Executive Vice Chancellor Wyatt R. Hume, decided to adopt the same requirement but went further by requiring broader training for all UCLA key personnel involved in human-subject research, regardless of the funding source.

“Because UCLA is a leader in this area, it was felt that we needed to include training in UCLA’s own extensive policies and procedures,” said Steven Peckman, associate director of human subjects research in the UCLA Office for Protection of Research Subjects (OPRS).

The course covers, among other topics, UCLA’s Institutional Review Boards, policies and procedures, requirements for informed consent, general ethical issues and guidelines.

“Researchers are finding it very enjoyable and they’ve told us they’ve learned a lot. That has special meaning for all of us involved in this project,” said Peckman.
For details, go to www.oprs.ucla.edu.