WIRB-Copernicus Group to Participate In PRIM&R Advancing Ethical Research Conference

PRINCETON, N.J., Nov. 5, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The WIRB-Copernicus Group ("WCG"), the world's largest provider of regulatory and ethical review services for clinical research, announced its participation at the Public Responsibility in Medicine and Research (PRIM&R) "Advancing Ethical Research" (AER) Conference, to be held in Boston, Massachusetts from November 7-9, 2013. WCG will also launch the WCG Academy's education course at the conference.

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130403/PH88307LOGO)

WCG is a Platinum sponsor of the AER conference and a supporter of this year's International Scholarship Program, which offers full or partial fee waivers, airfare and meal stipends for IRB/REC staff members and researchers who are based in low- and middle-income countries.

"We are very excited to sponsor and take part in the PRIM&R Advancing Ethical Research conference where we will be officially launching WCG Academy," said Donald A. Deieso, Ph.D., Executive Chairman of the WIRB-Copernicus Group. "We are also happy to support the International Scholarship Program, as we believe strongly in the importance of sharing IRB best-practices with researchers based around the world."

WCG speakers at the conference will include Lindsay McNair, M.D., M.P.H., M.S.B., Chief Clinical Research Officer, David Forster, J.D., M.A., Chief Compliance Officer, Yvonne Higgins, CIP, Vice President of Quality Management, and Jeffrey A. Cooper, M.D., M.M.M., Vice President of Global Consulting.

Dr. McNair will give the poster presentation on Thursday, November 7, entitled "Assessing Awareness and Implementation of the Recommendation for Surgical Innovation Committees: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Academic Institutions." She will also be a Panel Member for "Innovations in Research on Controversial Topics." Dr. Forster will appear on several panels, including "Essential Elements of Ethics: A Rigorous Method for Ensuring Key Ethical Issues Have Been Incorporated Into Your Protocol."

WCG Consulting will have a booth at the conference and will be available for on-site consultations. WCG will also be offering demonstrations of its new WCG Academy program, which is being offered in partnership with UL ComplianceWire.

Additionally, WCG is sponsoring an event on Thursday, November 7 at 7pm, to celebrate scientific breakthroughs in the industry and recognize excellence in clinical research. All conference attendees are welcome. Cocktails and a light supper will be provided.

About The WIRB-Copernicus Group
Transforming Ethical Review

The WIRB-Copernicus Group (WCG) is the world's largest provider of regulatory and ethical review services for human research. With eight individual AAHRPP-accredited panels, over 100 experienced board members, and over 60 years of combined experience in protocol and study-related review, the WIRB-Copernicus Group brings more expertise to the industry than any other ethical solutions provider.

Members of the WIRB-Copernicus Group family of companies include Western Institutional Review Board (WIRB) and Copernicus Group IRB (CGIRB), the nation's leading independent institutional review boards, and IRBNet, the top research compliance software supporting institutions. It is the mission of the WIRB-Copernicus Group to meet the highest standards of ethics and science, and to ensure the safety and welfare of research subjects worldwide. For more information, please visit www.wcgirb.com.

SOURCE WIRB-Copernicus Group