01/18/94

CONTACT: Stanford University News Service (650) 723-2558

Ideas sought on reducing research-related administrative tasks

STANFORD -- Community feedback is being sought as part of an effort to reduce administrative burdens on researchers who work with laboratory animals, human subjects or hazardous agents.

A task force, chaired by developmental biology Professor David Clayton, is reviewing ways to simplify processes for investigators who submit, review and approve protocols involving use of lab animals, human subjects and hazardous materials. Also serving on the task force are biological sciences Professor Virginia Walbot and pediatrics Associate Professor Alan Krensky. Senior Research Scientist Loris Pelc, radiology, is coordinating the review.

The task force is coordinating its work with the Panel on Laboratory Animals, the medical and non-medical panels on Human Subjects in Research, the Biosafety Panel and the Panel of Radiological Safety.

Patricia Devaney, associate dean of research, said the review was prompted by years of increasing external regulations for protection of subjects and for safety of workers and the public.

"Each new regulation was duly implemented as required," Devaney said. "Now we are trying to see if there are ways to help researchers get protocols approved in less time and with less paperwork."

Clayton has asked individuals in the university community to contact any task force member with suggestions on how the panels might streamline requirements and procedures, consistent with government requirements.

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