Volunteer Opportunities

Ampersand Guest Author

Draft a guest post for our blog, Ampersand, about a topic of your choice that's in alignment with PRIM&R's mission. For example, you might write about your work or share practical tips and tools with our community. Blog posts are typically 300–500 words and are usually written in a casual style. For more information on guest blogging, please take a look at our guest blogging procedure and our guest blogging agreement.

Estimated time commitment: Three to four hours per contribution

Blog Squad Member

Be part of a team of dedicated PRIM&R members who help share insights from our conferences, short-course programming, and webinars throughout the year. As a PRIM&R Blog Squad member, you will receive complimentary registration for the courses or programs you selected during the application process.

Blog Squad members can apply to cover conferences, short-courses, or webinars. Conference and short course Blog Squad members compose a series of blog posts before, during, and after the event by responding to a set of prompts. Webinar Blog Squad members compose a blog post after attending a PRIM&R webinar to highlight a particular concept, issue, or topic of interest raised during the program. The PRIM&R staff then edit the contribution(s) and publish them on Ampersand, PRIM&R's blog.

For more information on the PRIM&R Blog Squad and how to apply, visit the Blog Squad page.

Estimated time commitment: One to two hours per blog post, in addition to time required to attend the event

Member Interview Author

We want to learn more about our dedicated members' experiences in the field. If you are interested in sharing your story with the PRIM&R community, please send us an email and we will send you a member interview to complete. Your responses, as well as a headshot and a brief bio, will be posted on our blog, Ampersand.

Estimated time commitment: One to two hours to complete interview

PRIM&R Member Newsletter Content Contributor

Submit book or article reviews, informative features, or professional milestones for publication in our monthly PRIM&R Member Newsletter. Feature articles should be no more than 500 words and present information that may be of interest to PRIM&R members. Please note: articles must be submitted by the first Friday of each month in order to be considered publication for that month’s newsletter. Interested? Contact us to discuss article ideas.

Estimated time commitment: Two to three hours per contribution

Faculty Roster

Interested in sharing your subject-matter expertise? Join the faculty roster!

Conference Session Proposal Author

Contribute session ideas for consideration by the conference planning committees for inclusion on the annual conference agendas. For more information on submitting a session proposal, visit the conference web page for the event at which you’re interested in presenting a session. Applications are available six to nine months before each conference, and submissions must be received by the deadline listed in order to be considered.

Estimated time commitment: Two to three hours per contribution, plus the actual presentation time at the conference if your proposal is selected by the planning committee

Knowledge Center Content Contributor

Share the resources you use every day to help other research ethics professionals do their jobs more effectively! Submissions are accepted in the following categories:

• Post tools, templates, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) from your institution to the PRIM&R Knowledge Center.

To submit content for consideration, send us an email.

Estimated time commitment: Half an hour per submission

Poster Abstract Author

Answer our call for poster abstracts for one of our annual conferences. Posters may be based on new program initiatives or empirical research and must fit into one of these categories:

• Programmatic Abstracts describe novel approaches to the management, function, and operations of HRPPs, IRBs, or IACUCs, or provide analysis of topics related to such programmatic endeavors.
• Scientific Abstracts describe empirical studies or conceptual analysis of challenging issues related to the conduct or oversight of research involving human subjects.

The development and presentation of scientific or programmatic posters promotes interdisciplinary sharing and collaboration, and facilitates the exchange of ideas, information, and practical strategies for managing the many challenges faced by research professionals. For more information on submitting a poster abstract, please visit the conference web page for the event at which you’re interested in presenting a poster.

Estimated time commitment: Three to four hours to prepare the initial abstract, plus the actual presentation time at the conference if your abstract is selected by the planning committee

Poster Spotlight Author

If you presented a poster abstract at a past conference, share how your work has progressed using the Poster Spotlight feature on our blog, Ampersand. To participate, contact the PRIM&R staff to express interest in contributing a Poster Spotlight feature on Ampersand. PRIM&R staff will provide you with prompts regarding how your research has evolved.

Estimated time commitment: One to two hours per blog post

Webinar Speaker via Call for Webinar Proposals

PRIM&R offers approximately 12 webinars per year on a range of topics in the research ethics field. Each year, we solicit proposals for webinars on intermediate- and advanced-level topics of interest to those who work in human subjects protections and animal care and use. We invite you to help us develop these webinars by submitting to the Call for Webinar Proposals. Whether you are a veteran presenter for PRIM&R, a past webinar attendee, or new to PRIM&R or the field, we want to hear from you!

Selected speakers will be asked to participated in up to three planning calls (which may include initial brainstorming session with PRIM&R, content planning with PRIM&R staff and another presenter, and a run-through of the webinar) as well as contribute content to a blog post following the webinar. Learn more and access the submission form online.

Estimated time commitment: Submit a proposal (1-2 hours), and if selected, the time it would take for you to prepare your presentation (variable), participate in three planning calls (3-4 hours), and present the webinar (2 hours)

Committees are an important part of PRIM&R’s leadership. Committee seats are announced as they become open. To find out if a particular committee is accepting applicants, check out your most recent issue of PRIM&R This Week or the PRIM&R Member Newsletter. Please note, most committee calls for applicants are open near the end of each calendar year.

Diversity Advisory Group Member

The Diversity Advisory Group is a volunteer body that advises the PRIM&R staff on strategies for fostering a diverse membership community and works to raise the profile of diversity as an issue that matters to the broader research oversight field. This advisory group is tasked with:

• Participating in approximately four conference calls per year
• Working with staff throughout the year to develop policies and initiatives that support the growth and development of PRIM&R's diversity efforts
• Attending diversity-related sessions and events at conferences

Estimated time commitment: One to three hours per month

Membership Committee Member

The Membership Committee, a programmatic committee of PRIM&R’s Board of Directors, is charged with cultivating leaders from within the membership. Committee members participate in conference calls, meet up at PRIM&R conferences, and correspond via email throughout the year to strategize ways to improve member benefits and grow the membership community. In addition, committee members agree to:

• Complete a three-year term
• Participate in approximately six conference calls per year
• Work with staff to develop policies and initiatives that support the growth and development of PRIM&R’s membership
• Attend membership-related events at conferences
• Review applications for PRIM&R’s Regional Connections Program

Estimated time commitment: One to three hours per month

Conference Volunteer Opportunities

For more detailed information on how to participate in these and other volunteer opportunities, visit the webpage for the conference you plan to attend:

First-Time Attendee Breakfast Discussion Facilitator

Seasoned conference attendees are invited to attend the First-Time Attendee Breakfast at one of our annual conferences to welcome newcomers and help them feel comfortable. Share your wisdom, past conference experiences, and tips getting the most out of our packed program while sharing breakfast with the first-time attendees at your table.

Estimated time commitment: One hour

PRIM&R Exhibit Booth Attendant

Staff the PRIM&R booth for one or more shifts at one of our annual conferences. Introduce attendees to PRIM&R and explain the benefits of joining our community. At the booth, you can answer questions about PRIM&R membership and programs, if possible, or direct attendees to appropriate staff (who will be available nearby).

Estimated time commitment: Thirty minutes to two hours during the conference

Walk/Run Leader

Add a little spring to your step at one of our annual conferences by rallying your fellow attendees for some exercise and sightseeing. Group walks and runs are popular events every year. As a walk or run leader, you’ll be responsible for determining a route, selecting a time and meeting point, and sharing this information with attendees using word-of-mouth once onsite. PRIM&R staff will also assist you in publicizing the event.

Estimated time commitment: One hour at the conference

Mentoring Program: Mentor

Provide advice and guidance to, and share knowledge with, colleagues in the field of human or animal research oversight. Help prepare the next generation of leaders or collaborate with another PRIM&R member in a similar professional role by joining our Mentoring Program. Start by filling out our Mentoring Program survey to identify your personal areas of interest, institution type, and goals for the future. Based on this information, PRIM&R staff will match you with another member from our community. Ready to join the program? Submit an application online.

Estimated time commitment: One to three hours per month

PRIM&R Regional Connections Host

Plan and execute a networking event with PRIM&R Regional Connections to collaborate with colleagues who work nearby. Past events have included networking receptions, book groups, short lectures, and policy discussions. PRIM&R offers funding, from $250-$1000, to help defray the cost of these events, and will work with you throughout the planning process. Learn more on our Regional Connections page.

Estimated time commitment: One to four months of planning, preparation, and follow-up, in addition to hosting the event itself