Although they operate largely outside the public eye, Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) play a critical role in the conduct of medical research. Federal law and international codes of research ethics mandate IRBs to provide independent review of proposed studies involving human subjects, with the goal of preventing or reducing unethical research and harm to study participants. While there is broad agreement that serious breaches of research ethics have occurred historically, some critics of IRBs argue they have become increasingly restrictive over time and that some current IRB practices unduly impede scientific progress without significantly improving the ethical conduct of research or preventing harm to research participants. Others posit that current IRB practices are essential for preventing unethical research practices, or that even more stringent is needed.

Join the HxSTEM community for a panel discussion of current IRB practices and potential reforms. Professors Evan Morris, Peggy Mason, and Lee Jussim are experienced human subjects researchers from different disciplines and different universities who have published their critique of current IRB practices and a proposal for IRB reform entitled the Mudd Code. They will share their concerns and suggestions for improving IRBs. Dr. Edward Monico is an IRB Chair, emergency medicine physician, and attorney. He will share his perspective on the Morris article, its conclusions, and the proposed Mudd Code.

When: Wednesday, June 3, 2026, from 5-6:30pm EST

Where: Cohen Auditorium (Child Study Center, 230 South Frontage Road) and via Zoom. If you plan to join in person, please let karen.kolb@yale.edu know if you are coming by NOON on May 28th. 

A delicious Panera dinner will be served. CME credit is available.