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Press Release
PRIM&R Announces Service Award Recipient
November 7, 2024
BOSTON – Public Responsibility in Medicine and Research (PRIM&R) today announced Nancy A. Olson, JD, as the recipient of the 2024 PRIM&R Service Award for her profound commitment to ethical research practices, coupled with her vast experience, skill set, and dedication to the professional development of others.
“We are pleased to be honoring Nancy with the PRIM&R Service Award, which recognizes the many and varied ways that people can have a significant impact on the field,” said PRIM&R Executive Director Ivy R. Tillman, EdD, CIP. “Nancy’s unwavering commitment to ethical research practices, including her leadership and innovative contributions, exemplify her dedication to advancing the field of research ethics."
The PRIM&R Service Award honors teaching, mentorship, innovation, leadership, engagement, program improvement, or research. The intention of the award is to recognize the ways that people can have a significant impact on the field; awardees may be recognized for their long-time commitment or for one-time innovations and projects, whether early in their careers or after a lifetime of service.
“I am honored by this recognition. To be a part of PRIM&R's efforts to educate IRB and HRPP professionals is an opportunity for which I will always be grateful. Thank you,” Olson said.
Olson currently serves as an IRB analyst in the Office of Regulatory Affairs at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, playing a crucial role in the ethical review of research protocols, ensuring they meet the stringent standards required for the protection of human subjects. As an alternate IRB member, Olson reviews submissions from diverse academic units, including the College of Nursing, College of Dentistry, and College of Public Health.
Olson previously served as the director of the Human Research Office at the University of Mississippi Medical Center for nearly two decades. She built a robust team which effectively oversaw all human research activities, managed two Institutional Review Boards, and spearheaded the implementation of electronic submission systems. Her leadership not only ensured the smooth operation of these critical functions but also led to significant growth and the achievement of AAHRPP accreditation—a testament to her commitment to regulatory compliance and continuous quality improvement.
Olson has also made significant contributions to the broader research community through her active involvement in professional organizations. As a past president of Applied Research Ethics National Association (ARENA), PRIM&R Annual Conference Poster Planning co-chair, and faculty member for IRB Administrator Core Training, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the direction and focus of PRIM&R’s initiatives.
One of Olson’s most notable educational contributions is the conceptualization and development of the “Exploring the Common Rule” course for PRIM&R. This course has been instrumental in helping rising IRB professionals gain the core knowledge necessary for success in their roles.
Additionally, Olson’s involvement with the Secretary's Advisory Committee on Human Research Protections (SACHRP) and her contributions to national research ethics initiatives, such as the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) Informed Consent Working Group, highlight her influence in shaping policies and best practices at the national level.
The PRIM&R Service Award will be presented to Olson on November 19 at the PRIM&R Annual Conference (PRIMR24) in Seattle.
About PRIM&R
Since 1974, PRIM&R has advanced the highest ethical standards in the conduct of research. We accomplish this mission through education, membership services, professional certification, public policy initiatives, and community building. PRIM&R is a 501(c)3 nonprofit. Find out more at www.primr.org
Media Contact:
Daniel McLean
Public Engagement Manager
Public Responsibility in Medicine and Research (PRIM&R)
Direct: 617-303-1877
dmclean@primr.org
www.primr.org