Julie Ozier, MHL, has been named director of Vanderbilt’s Human Research Protection Program (HRPP) and Institutional Review Board (IRB).Ozier has worked with the HRPP and IRB for 11 years, has been associate director since 2007, and at Vanderbilt since 1996.
She replaces Gene Gallagher, who retired in October.
The HRPP oversees the Institutional Review Board and provides oversight for all University-wide research in humans. Ozier will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the program and the board.
Vanderbilt’s IRB has four committees: three that review biomedical/health science research and one for social and behavioral science. The committees meet weekly to discuss research protocols involving human participants and make sure that all research projects involving humans meet specific federal criteria, that proper consents are obtained and that the studies are conducted ethically.
“I’m very excited about the new role and hope to be able to bring some flexibility within the regulations to our office,” Ozier said. “I also hope to promote better customer service to our investigators and increase our community outreach, letting the community know what Vanderbilt’s research is all about.”
There are currently about 4,300 active studies taking place at Vanderbilt University and about 35 staff in the HRPP office.
“Julie was chosen to be the new director for a number of reasons. She has extensive regulatory education and experience and she has worked with the Vanderbilt Human Research Protections Program for over a decade,” said Todd Rice, M.D., assistant professor of Medicine and medical director of the HRPP.
“She has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and has been a tremendous asset to the department. Given her extensive knowledge and experience, she is a natural fit for the director’s position and will lead the Vanderbilt Human Research Protections Program to new and exciting heights.”