To ensure that research operations at Clark Atlanta University are efficient and in compliance with Federal, state and local regulations, several research compliance committees have been established to advise the Division of Research and Sponsored Programs on its research and sponsored program activities. These committees are: IRB/Human Subjects Committee; Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee; Biosafety Committee; Radiation Safety Committee; and Responsible Conduct of Research/Research Integrity Committee. The following are discussed in this section.
The Research Compliance Coordinator of RSP is responsible for coordinating the various research compliance committees at Clark Atlanta University.
Coordinator: Dr. Georgianna D. Bolden
Phone: 404.880.6979
E-mail: gbolden@cau.edu
IRB/Human Subjects Committee – protects confidentiality of data for research and projects involving the use of human subjects and ensures protection against physical, psychological, social and legal risks in biomedical and behavioral research.
Chair: Dr. Paul I. Musey
Phone: 404.880.6829
E-mail: pmusey@cau.edu
IRB Policies and Procedures IRB Policy Manual
IRB Application - To obtain an IRB application click on IRB Application
Submit two (2) copies of the application packet to Room 2035, Thomas W. Cole, Jr. Research Center for Science and Technology.
The Package should include the following items:
- IRB Application
- Survey Instrument, if applicable
- Consent form, if applicable (Consent form template and consent process)
- Certificate of Completion of Mandatory Training program (see below)
Mandatory Training for Researchers Using Human Subjects – All investigators submitting a grant application to the National Institutes of Health are required to show evidence of human subject education if the project includes the use of human subjects. At Clark Atlanta University this training is required of all investigators submitting an IRB application.
Clark Atlanta University is enrolled in the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) Program. This program replaces the previous training program sponsored through NIH. This course is designed for four (4) Learner groups with each consisting of several modules specially prepared for investigators conducting research in that group. All investigators should read the IRB Policy Manual, IRB Training FAQs, and Mandatory Training documents prior to accessing the CITI program. To access the CITI program, click on www.citiprogram.org to begin registration.
Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee – Clark Atlanta University (CAU) uses animals in biomedical research and education. The Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC),through a contractual agreement with the Atlanta University Centerschools, is the body charged with reviewing Clark Atlanta University's program for humane care and use of animals; reviewing concerns involving the care and use of animals; housing and care of the animals; reviewing, approving, and requesting modifications to secure approval or withholding approval of proposed activities or of significant changes in activities relating to the care and use of animals; and, if necessary, suspending activities involving animals. The MSM IACUC is guided by Federal regulations and policies set forth in the Public Health Service Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (PHS 1986), the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (ILAR 1996) and the USDA Animal Welfare Act (CFR 1985). Being a member institution, Clark Atlanta University has a representative on the MSM IACUC committee.
The MSM IACUC works with CAU personnel to ensure the humane care of animals used at the University and provides information to aid in enhancing animal well-being. The IACUC reviews research and other activities involving animals to ensure that they are justified by their benefits and minimize any animal distress. University employees using animals in biomedical research and teaching must first have written IACUC approval from MSM.
It is mandatory that all IACUC applications from CAU investigators be submitted first to the CAU local committee prior to being submitted to the MSM IACUC Committee.
Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) IACUC
http://web.msm.edu/ord/RegulatoryOffices.htm
CAU Representative/Chair Local Committee: Valerie Odero-Marah, Ph.D.
Phone: 404.880.6764
E-mail: vodero_marah@cau.edu
Biosafety Committee – ensures compliance with federal, state and local regulations regarding research applications that may involve hazardous chemicals, materials or recombinant genetic technology.
Chair: Xiu James Bu, Ph.D.
Phone: 404.880.6897
E-mail: xbu@cau.edu
Biosafety at CAU (under development)
Radiation Safety Committee – ensures that the users of radioactive materials, or machines producing ionizing radiation comply with rules and regulations stated in Chapter 391-3-17, Georgia Department of Natural Resources and, further, to protect the health and safety of the workers from harmful effects of radiation by keeping all exposure As Low As Reasonably Possible (ALARA). Through a contractual agreement with Morehouse School of Medicine, Clark Atlanta University (CAU) radiation services are channeled through the MSM/AUC Radiation Safety Committee. CAU has two (2) representatives serving on this Committee.
CAU Representative/Chair Local Subcommittee: Dr. Nathan Jideama
Phone: 404.880.6873
E-mail: njideama@cau.edu
CAU Representative: Dr. Shafiq Khan
Phone: 404.880.6795
E-mail: skhan@cau.edu
MSM/AUC Radiation Safety Officer: Dale Mack
Phone: 404.756.6686
E-mail: damack@msm.edu
For a current list of committee members, the committee license and the committee charter, visit the Morehouse School of Medicine website at http://web.msm.edu/ord/RegulatoryOffices.htm.
Responsible Conduct of Research/ Research Integrity Committee – provides a relevant administrative process to investigate allegations of scientific misconduct for both funded and non-funded research; the committee also provides education on Responsible Conduct of Research. To access the web to view Clark Atlanta University’s Policies and Procedures on Responding to Misconduct in Research, visit Responsible Conduct of Research.
Chair: Robert Waymer, Ph.D. *
Phone: 404.880.8561
E-mail: rwaymer@cau.edu
* Also serves as University Research Integrity Officer (RIO)
Laboratory Safety and Chemical Hygiene – provides training and guidance for all personnel working in research labs in the areas of laboratory safety and chemical hygiene including proper handling, storage and disposal of chemicals and hazardous material. Also, serves as one of the principal contacts for lab and chemical safety emergencies and problems associated with laboratory safety equipment.
Clark Atlanta University Chemical Hygiene Plan
Contact: Paul Abrahams
Phone: 404.880.6974
E-mail: pabraham@cau.edu