September 2026

Researchers can now use Tango to compensate research participants. Contact fmchresearch@umn.edu for details!

May 2026

Did you know that we’ve launched a brand-new Google Site packed with tools, guides, and resources designed to make navigating research processes easier? Everything you need is officially at your fingertips—check it out and let us know if you have any feedback to make it even better! 

Here's the google site link.

April 2026

Did you know that the reporting threshold for research participant incentives has increased from $600 to $2,000?

For research teams, this change has a direct impact on how you communicate with participants regarding tax implications for stipends and incentives:

Update your consent forms: The Institutional Review Board (IRB) recommends removing specific references to the old $600 limit.

The "next touch" rule: You don’t need to rush to update every study immediately. The IRB suggests implementing it during your next continuing review or the "next touch" point with participants.

Why it matters: Keeping this language updated ensures participants have accurate expectations about when their compensation might be reported to the IRS, maintaining transparency and trust.

March 2026

Did you know that research participants are permitted to sign HIPAA authorizations electronically to eliminate in-person visits?

Check out the Health Privacy FAQ for more information and to get all your HIPAA questions answered! 

January 2026

When preparing the Personal Statement and Contributions to Science sections in ScienCV, paragraph spacing doesn't carry over automatically. To ensure your text is readable, follow these formatting rules:

Single Line Break: Insert <BR> to move text to the next line (similar to a hard return).

Double Line Break: Insert <BR><BR> to create a blank line between paragraphs.

Previewing Your Work: Click the “View Draft” button in the top right corner to verify the layout before finalizing.

November 2025

If you are planning on submitting a de-identified case report to a journal, follow instructions from the journal (some journals may ask for an IRB determination) and also email your proposed case report to HIPCO at privacy@umn.edu for confirmation that it is de-identified.

October 2025

Did you know that HIPCO has revised several forms to improve clarity and usability for participants and researchers? As of November 1, you will need to use these updated forms (if applicable) when submitting an IRB application:

HIPAA Authorization Form

International Consent Forms

August 2025

Gemini AI is now approved for IRB-approved research! Complete the opt-in form and find more information here. Please note, Fairview patient data within the AHC-IE, including de-identified data, will not be permitted for use in Gemini AI.

July 2025

If you have a study with the IRB that was determined to be "exempt," it will be administratively closed by the IRB after two years of the determination. You can continue the study per your protocol even after the study is closed. If you have any changes to the study, you will need to resubmit.

May 2025

You might need a Data Use Agreement (DUA) to transfer nonpublic data between organizations if you don’t already have a funding agreement in place that addresses the terms and conditions of data sharing. DUAs are most often used when sharing PHI.

SPA has some handy guides to help you determine whether a DUA is needed. Visit their webpage for more information!

April 2025

If you plan to pursue indigenous research, you must obtain approval from the Office of Native American Affairs before beginning any research by filling out the Notification of indigenous Research form.

All researchers who want to conduct indigenous research are required to complete the Tribal-University Relations training modules. 

There is a helpful guidebook developed by the Office of Native American Affairs to inform research practices within the University of Minnesota in order to reflect our values of respecting Tribal sovereignty.  

Find out more about Indigenous Research policy!

March 2025

Android phones are not an approved method of communication with research participants. For more information on allowable communication methods, check out this handy guide!