Why is training needed?

Investigators conducting research with people are considered "key personnel" who are "engaged in " research with living human beings, using human tissue samples or working with identifiable private information. As such, investigators must be informed about and stay abreast of the regulatory and ethical requirements of such research. UMBC's use of the Collaborative IRB Training Initiative (CITI) is an educational program for the protection of human subjects in research meets that need. The core course in CITI were developed by experts in the IRB community and focuses on studies in sociological, psychological, anthropological or educational phenomena including observational and survey research.

The CITI program also offer training required of all persons using and caring for laboratory animals at UMBC, including scientists, research and animal care personnel. Completion of this training fulfills the IACUC's requirements to conduct studies using specified animals and techniques.

Completing this training is a necessary hoop to jump through before starting a research project - more importantly if external funding from grants or contracts are involved.

See the HARPO training link for more information.