IRB Email Blast

This page is updated each time a new newsletter is shared by the Emory IRB. Bookmark this webpage to see topics from the latest Emory IRB email blast!

Email blasts are sent to registered users of the Emory Insight system. If you would like to receive these emails or would like information about a previous email blast, please contact the IRB email inbox.

October 2026

Safety Notification

The IRB wants to alert study teams that in rare cases participants have experienced irritation consistent with a burn while wearing a Fitbit. This is a potential risk to any wearable device with a lithium battery that is worn for any length of time. If your study utilizes Fitbits or other wearable devices, please consider updating the consent form risk language to include "skin irritation, which may be consistent with a burn". If you have questions about whether this update is needed, please reach out to IRB@emory.edu.

Sociobehavioral Researchers: IRB Outreach and Listening Sessions for You

For all sociobehavioral researchers (including faculty advisors)! Whether you are in ECAS, LGS, GBS, Candler, the Law School, or other area, we invite you to join IRB AVP Rebecca Rousselle for one of our interactive events this fall.

We will cover the latest important tips for: Insight submissions, Exempt research, student research, and other topics – and leave time to hear from you. We hope you will bring your questions, concerns, and ideas to share. The presentation and a summary of the Q&A will be posted after all sessions are complete.

Forum dates:

Monday, October 19, 4-5 pm

Thursday, October 22, 12-1 pm

Friday, Oct 30, 12-1 pm

Spotlight on Emory-Georgia Tech Collaborative Research

Did you know that Emory and Georgia Tech have long had a reciprocal IRB reliance agreement? When both institutions are “engaged” in the same human research study, this agreement outlines which IRB will review for the other. The reviewing IRB is mainly based on where the “majority of research activities” will take place.

One ethics review, two submissions: Like with other IRB reliance situations, you need to submit something to both IRBs. The non-reviewing IRB uses this to do an administrative “local context” review (to make sure their institutional requirements are met). It also helps each institution to keep track of their research activities.

For more detail: See our updated Collaborative Research section on Emory/GT Studies. It also describes how to add a GT collaborator to an approved Emory-reviewed study, and vice versa.