Initiating Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research

Investigator Information and Checklist


All projects funded by the Connecticut Stem Cell Research Fund and all human embryonic stem cell research conducted at the University of Connecticut and its research arms must receive written ESCRO approval before research begins, regardless of source of funding or the NIH-status of the hESC lines.

OSP/ORSP will NOT release funds for Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research until it receives a copy of the final ESCRO approval letter.

 

Recommended Sequence of Steps

  1. Submit Supplemental hESC research form to ORSP/OSP

    1. For UCHC: Investigators and subcontracted researchers  must submit “Supplemental Routing Form for hESC Research” to ORSP regardless of source of funding, including internal and private funding. (See link )

    2. For Storrs:  Investigators and subcontracted researchers must submit  “Attachment for Human Stem Cell Research” to OSP only in the case of funding external to the Storrs campus. (See http://www.osp.uconn.edu/forms.php#uconn )

  2. Notify and consult with the ESCRO for ethically controversial projects or use of hESC from sources other than the UConn-Wesleyan Core.

    3. Investigators planning projects involving ethically controversial activities are urged to consult with the ESCRO as early as possible. Projects in this category include those that generate or destroy human blastocysts or blastocyst-like entities, implant human neuro-progenitors into animal models, or implant hESC or hESC derivatives into nonhuman blastocysts. Contact the ESCRO office at (860) 486-2215.

  3. Initiate the lab equipment inventory and tagging process.

    (Contact Julie Schwager at UCHC (Schwager@uchc.edu) or Robin Graves-Hoagland at Storrs (robin.hoagland@uconn.edu) to obtain the form.)

  4. Submit applications to the IBC, ACC/IACUC, and IRB 

    as required by University, federal, and State laws and policies.  These reviews may be conducted in parallel with ESCRO review. ESCRO approval requires documentation of approval by all other required research oversight committees. Plan your time-table with the schedules of these committees in mind.

  5. Complete the hESC Fiscal and Research Compliance Tutorial

    available online at  http://www.escro.uconn.edu . All research personnel must pass the tutorial prior to ESCRO approval.

  6. Submit the completed and signed ESCRO Protocol Application form (available at www.escro.uconn.edu) and a copy of the grant proposal to the ESCRO Office. 

    (available at www.escro.uconn.edu) and a copy of the grant proposal to the ESCRO Office.  For assistance  call (860) 486-2215, e-mail anne.hiskes@uconn.edu, or e-mail dana.howard@uconn.edu .  The protocol application is due in the ESCRO office 10 days before the meeting at which it will be reviewed.

  7. Submit the completed and signed State Verification Form

    to the ESCRO office which will forward the form and a copy of the final ESCRO approval letter to the Department of Public Health. Click on “Forms” at www.escro.uconn.edu

Download the document check list here