Approval Process

The Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) has the responsibility of reviewing, approving, and overseeing all research projects requesting GCRC support. The chairman of the SAC is Geri Wood, RN, M.D. The committee meets monthly to evaluate proposals based upon scientific merit and need for center resources. Approved research projects are prioritized using these two factors. The committee is responsible for the designation of the category of inpatient days and outpatient visits for each research project.
The SAC chairman assigns a primary and secondary reviewer to each protocol submitted. The reviewer critiques the study in a written report which is presented at the monthly meeting. Review criteria include the qualifications of the principal investigator, the proposed science, suitability of study design, patient safety and a need for center resources.
If the SAC approves the protocol with no changes, the investigator can begin to use GCRC resources as soon as all required documents and approval have been granted. If the study is not approved as submitted, the protocol will be returned to the investigator with specific suggestions for revision. Approval following resubmission is usually expedited.
After each meeting, the principal investigator is sent written notification of the action taken by the SAC.