Reminder about JHU SOM ESCRO Requirements

The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine requires that research using human embryonic stem cells be reviewed and approved by the Embryonic Stem Cell Research Oversight (JHU SOM ESCRO) Committee. All research within the purview of the JHU SOM ESCRO Committee, even if it is already in progress, must be submitted to the JHU SOM ESCRO Committee for review prior to January 2008. More information is available on the JHU SOM ESCRO website http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/Research/escro.

In addition, all persons conducting research within the purview of the JHU SOM ESCRO Committee must complete the online educational module "Ethical Oversight of hESC Research". Certificates of completion for all investigators listed on the JHU SOM ESCRO applications should be submitted with the ESCRO application. Investigators who have currently approved ESCRO applications have until October 1, 2007 to complete the module and submit certification. The module may be accessed at http://www.hopkinsinteractive.org.

Related questions may be addressed to Suzanne Damaré, ESCRO Administrator at escro@jhmi.edu or by phone at 410-955-3008.

Disclosing Your Outside Activities

The Office of Policy Coordination launched a new electronic disclosure system in May - eOPC. This system provides a quick way to disclose any outside activities and potential conflicts of interest for review and approval.

WHY Disclose

• Full disclosure of all outside activities and services is a vital component in preserving academic and scientific integrity. Only when faculty, staff, and students truthfully disclose all outside interests can we ensure that the name and reputation of the individual and our entire community is protected.
  
• Full disclosure is also necessary to comply with internal and federal regulations and ensure that faculty and staff's primary commitment is to the University and its mission.

WHEN to Disclose
You are required to disclose when:

• you engage in an outside activity or service
  
• you apply for human subjects research via the IRB
  
• you apply for a research grant or contract via ORA
  
• you are an inventor of a technology that is being licensed by JHTT
  
• any of your previously disclosed arrangements change

WHO Needs to Disclose

• All full-time, part-time, and adjunct faculty, medical students, and staff are required to disclose any outside activity or service.

HOW to Disclose

You can disclose at any time using eOPC, the electronic disclosure system. eOPC is web-based, so you can disclose using any computer with a working internet connection. You will need your JHED login and password to enter the system. If you have never used eOPC, please contact policy@jhmi.edu or call (410) 516-5560 to request an account.

Disclosure Exceptions
You are not required to disclose any of the following:

Professional Activities such as:

• CMEs
• Grand Rounds
  
• Faculty Conferences
  
• Academic Publishing

Participation in local community activities such as:

• Religious institutions
  
• Schools
  
• Clubs

For more information, please feel free to email the office at policy@jhmi.edu, call 410-516-5560, or visit our website at http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/research/opc.