There’s still time to register for our 2025 Annual AAHRPP Conference, which will be held May 20-22 in Denver. This year’s theme, HRPP Dedication, Dialogue, and Discovery, underscores the critical, enduring role of HRPPs and is particularly fitting in times like these.
As in the past, the conference opens on Tuesday with two optional workshops: one for organizations pursuing accreditation or reaccreditation and one for members (AAHRPP-accredited) of our Collaborative AAHRPP Network (CAN). Both workshops are offered in person only. The main conference runs Wednesday and Thursday and includes the option to attend virtually.
You can view the agenda here. We encourage you to attend in person, if possible, to experience the connection and camaraderie that so many of us missed during the pandemic.
Tuesday, May 20: In-Person-Only Workshop Day
Accreditation Workshop: Practical, interactive sessions led by AAHRPP accreditation experts will take you step-by-step through the accreditation and reaccreditation process. Mock interviews and other hands-on activities will help prepare you for a successful application submission, site visit, and Council on Accreditation review. Equally important, you’ll get to meet AAHRPP team members who are happy to assist you at any point in your accreditation journey
CAN Workshop: Exclusively for AAHRPP-accredited organizations, the workshop provides an opportunity to collaborate with colleagues to address HRPP-related issues. Session include a progress report on CAN initiatives along with discussions on “AI Exceptionalism or AI-as-Usual?” “Single IRB: Past, Present, and Future,” “Quality Assurance and Quality Improvement Efforts: Effective Procedures that Enhance Human Participant Protections,” and breakout sessions on recruiting and retaining IRB and Scientific Review Committee members, navigating institutional conflict, or using metrics to enhance performance and growth.
Wednesday, May 21: Plenary Day
The first day of our main conference features plenary sessions on three timely issues. All three sessions are CIP-eligible.
“Conducting Research in Our Current Environment” will provide three different perspectives on the unprecedented challenges facing today’s research community. Speakers are AAHRPP Board Chair Stephen Rosenfeld, MD, Executive Board Chair, Northstar Review Board; Heather Pierce, JD, Senior Director for Science Policy, Regulatory Counsel, Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC); and Andy Lee, Senior Vice President, Head of Global Clinical Trial Operations, Merck.
“Responsible and Ethical Management of Data Sharing” will focus on data-sharing models that ensure ethical engagement. Presenters will provide practical recommendations for researchers, policymakers, and organizations seeking to foster respect and accountability as they navigate this complex terrain. Speakers are Krystal Tsosie, PhD, Assistant Professor, School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University; Megan Kasimatis Singleton, JD, Associate Dean for Human Research Protections and Director of the Human Research Protections Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; and Martha Jones, Vice President, Human Research Affairs, Mass General Brigham.
“Integrating the Participant Perspective in the Development of Research” will feature three experts—a former FDA staff member, a researcher specializing in inclusion of Indigenous populations in research, and the parent of children with a rare disease—on why it’s imperative that patients and caregivers be involved in drug development. Speakers are Larry Bauer, Senior Regulatory Drug Expert, Hyman, Phelps & McNamara, P.C.; Krystal Tsosie, PhD, Assistant Professor, School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University; and Shelley Bowen, Director, Family Services and Advocacy, Barth Syndrome Foundation.
Later in the afternoon, once all plenary presentations have been completed, smaller “deep-dive” sessions will give in-person attendees the opportunity to take a more in-depth look at one plenary topic of your choice. Be sure to come with questions for the presenters.
Thursday, May 22: Breakout Session Day
Our final conference day includes 24 breakout sessions on hot topics such as emergency research, reviewing transnational research, informed consent and secondary use of biospecimens, why HRPPs matter more than ever, FDA harmonization with the Common Rule, effective organization structures, and more. Many of the sessions are CIP-eligible; all are open to in-person attendees. For those participating virtually, AAHRPP will livestream one breakout session in each of the five time slots.
Only the plenary and livestreamed breakout sessions will be recorded and available on-demand after the conference.
More reasons to attend
In addition to the workshops, plenaries, and breakout sessions, the conference offers opportunities to vote for your favorite posters, enjoy our networking social time, celebrate our newly accredited organizations, applaud our “Friends of AAHRPP” award recipients, and meet with exhibitors. If you haven’t done so yet, register now.
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