Vanderbilt University Human Research Protections Program
The Vanderbilt University Human Research Protection Program (VU HRPP) oversees the ethical and regulatory compliance of research involving human subjects. We want to protect the rights, welfare, and privacy of participants while supporting researchers in conducting responsible and impactful studies.
Guiding Principles
- Committed to Excellence, Compliance, and Protecting Participants
- Collaborative and Communicative
- Accessible and Supportive
- Forward Thinking and Innovative
Federal Wide Assurance and Registrations
Vanderbilt University operates under Federal Wide Assurance (FWA) #00024139, valid through November 15, 2028.
The VU HRPP maintains Institutional Review Board (IRB) registrations and complies with applicable regulatory requirements.
Institutional Official:
Jean Mercer, Senior Assistant Provost of Sponsored Programs Administration & Compliance
Phone: (615) 343-4390
Email: jean.m.mercer@vanderbilt.edu
HRPP Contact Information
We are committed to supporting the research community through personalized, expert guidance.
- Email: Send questions, feedback, or concerns to irb@vanderbilt.edu.
- Monthly VU HRPP Overview: Presentation and Q&A offered the 4th Thursday of the month between 10:00 and 11:00 a.m. CST
- Office Hours: Starting in February, we will offer virtual office hours Monday through Friday between 1:00 and 2:00 p.m. CST
- 1:1 Meetings: Please contact our knowledgeable HRPP staff for assistance or inquiries.
- Outreach & Education: We can present to a department or class on request. Email irb@vanderbilt.edu with the type of audience and session, estimated number of attendees, topic area to be covered, and point of contact.
HRPP Staff
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Mila Tahai, MSPH&HS, CIP
Director | liudmila.tahai@vanderbilt.edu | (615) 343-5813
Contact Mila with questions related to Single IRB and HRPP policies.
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Prema Chaudhari, PhD, CIP
Compliance Analyst | prema.chaudhari@vanderbilt.edu | (615) 343-0834
Contact Prema for study-specific questions, submission guidance, and compliance concerns.
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April Ortegon, MA, CIP
Compliance Analyst | april.ortegon@vanderbilt.edu | (615) 343-9929
Contact April for study-specific questions, submission guidance, and compliance concerns.
Vanderbilt University Social, Behavioral and Education Research (SBER) IRB
The VU SBER IRB reviews the human subjects research in accordance with established VU HRPP policies and procedures to determine that the research is ethically justifiable, according to all applicable laws. This includes initial review, continuing review, review of modifications to previously approved research, and review of unanticipated problems involving risks to subjects or others. The IRB has the ability to suspend or terminate IRB approval. Additionally, the IRB has the final authority to decide whether any researcher or research staff conflict of interest, and its management, allows the research to be approved. The IRB can also request audits of the reviewed research.
SBER Committee Members
- Jeremy Neal, Associate Professor of Nursing, SBER IRB Committee chair
- Robert Bodenheimer, Professor of Computer Science
- Carwil Bjork-James, Assistant Professor of Anthropology
- Laura Ferguson-Mimms, Executive Director of the Tennessee Higher Education Initiative
- Jonathan Hiskey, Professor of Political Science
- Deborah Rowe, Professor of Education
The SBER IRB Committee meets the first Tuesday of the month from 8:30-10:00 am CST.