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Press Release
PRIM&R Launches Educational Initiative to Advance Ethical AI Governance in Research with Grant from Advarra
New programming will equip research oversight professionals with independent education, leadership dialogue, and practical resources for navigating AI responsibly
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September XX, 2026
BOSTON and COLUMBIA, Md. — Public Responsibility in Medicine and Research (PRIM&R) and Advarra today announced the launch of PRIM&R’s AI Ethics and Governance Initiative, a series of programs designed to help research oversight professionals and institutional leaders navigate the ethical and responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) across the research enterprise.
Supported by a grant from Advarra—the market leader in regulatory reviews and a leading provider of connected, intelligence-powered research technology—the initiative will foster dialogue and provide tangible resources to help the field address rapidly evolving questions on AI governance, transparency, accountability, bias, informed consent, and public trust. PRIM&R will independently develop and retain sole editorial control over programming content, design, faculty and moderator selection, and educational materials.
"As AI is integrated into several facets of clinical research, institutions are seeking practical guidance that is thoughtful, balanced, and grounded in research ethics," said PRIM&R Executive Director Ivy R. Tillman, EdD, CIP. "This timely initiative creates opportunities for research oversight professionals and institutional leaders to share emerging practices and develop approaches that support responsible innovation while maintaining public trust. We are grateful to Advarra’s grant support to help make this work possible."
PRIM&R’s AI Ethics and Governance Initiative includes a diverse set of programs that will engage professionals across the research oversight community:
· A mini-series featured on PRIM&R’s podcast, “Research Ethics Reimagined,” exploring emerging issues in AI, ethics, governance, and institutional leadership.
· An AI Governance Leadership Roundtable Series bringing together identified research enterprise leaders who participate in a series of virtual roundtables throughout the fall to explore practical approaches to AI governance, exchange perspectives, and help shape the future of research oversight. The series will culminate in an in-person gathering in November for cohort members attending the 2026 PRIM&R Annual Conference.
· A multi-day virtual workshop providing practical training on applying AI responsibly in research oversight and administration through hands-on instruction and real-world examples.
"Artificial intelligence has tremendous potential to strengthen research, but realizing that potential requires intentional innovation, deep expertise, and an unwavering commitment to ethical oversight," said Lauri Carlile, chief research services officer at Advarra. "The research community deserves independent skill-building opportunities that help institutions move forward with clarity and confidence. We're proud to support PRIM&R's leadership in creating the forums, resources, and peer connections research professionals need to navigate AI responsibly—while ensuring human judgment and the people at the center of scientific discovery remain the foundation for progress."
With AI adoption outpacing many institutions’ ability to establish clear policies and oversight practices, the AI Ethics and Governance Initiative represents a timely investment in the people and institutions responsible for advancing ethical, high-quality research. By creating opportunities for knowledge sharing, dialogue, and accessible learning, PRIM&R and Advarra aim to help the research oversight community navigate one of the most significant technological shifts facing research today.
September XX, 2026
BOSTON and COLUMBIA, Md. — Public Responsibility in Medicine and Research (PRIM&R) and Advarra today announced the launch of PRIM&R’s AI Ethics and Governance Initiative, a series of programs designed to help research oversight professionals and institutional leaders navigate the ethical and responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) across the research enterprise.
Supported by a grant from Advarra—the market leader in regulatory reviews and a leading provider of connected, intelligence-powered research technology—the initiative will foster dialogue and provide tangible resources to help the field address rapidly evolving questions on AI governance, transparency, accountability, bias, informed consent, and public trust. PRIM&R will independently develop and retain sole editorial control over programming content, design, faculty and moderator selection, and educational materials.
"As AI is integrated into several facets of clinical research, institutions are seeking practical guidance that is thoughtful, balanced, and grounded in research ethics," said PRIM&R Executive Director Ivy R. Tillman, EdD, CIP. "This timely initiative creates opportunities for research oversight professionals and institutional leaders to share emerging practices and develop approaches that support responsible innovation while maintaining public trust. We are grateful to Advarra’s grant support to help make this work possible."
PRIM&R’s AI Ethics and Governance Initiative includes a diverse set of programs that will engage professionals across the research oversight community:
· A mini-series featured on PRIM&R’s podcast, “Research Ethics Reimagined,” exploring emerging issues in AI, ethics, governance, and institutional leadership.
· An AI Governance Leadership Roundtable Series bringing together identified research enterprise leaders who participate in a series of virtual roundtables throughout the fall to explore practical approaches to AI governance, exchange perspectives, and help shape the future of research oversight. The series will culminate in an in-person gathering in November for cohort members attending the 2026 PRIM&R Annual Conference.
· A multi-day virtual workshop providing practical training on applying AI responsibly in research oversight and administration through hands-on instruction and real-world examples.
"Artificial intelligence has tremendous potential to strengthen research, but realizing that potential requires intentional innovation, deep expertise, and an unwavering commitment to ethical oversight," said Lauri Carlile, chief research services officer at Advarra. "The research community deserves independent skill-building opportunities that help institutions move forward with clarity and confidence. We're proud to support PRIM&R's leadership in creating the forums, resources, and peer connections research professionals need to navigate AI responsibly—while ensuring human judgment and the people at the center of scientific discovery remain the foundation for progress."
With AI adoption outpacing many institutions’ ability to establish clear policies and oversight practices, the AI Ethics and Governance Initiative represents a timely investment in the people and institutions responsible for advancing ethical, high-quality research. By creating opportunities for knowledge sharing, dialogue, and accessible learning, PRIM&R and Advarra aim to help the research oversight community navigate one of the most significant technological shifts facing research today.
About PRIM&R
Since 1974, Public Responsibility in Medicine and Research (PRIM&R) has advanced the highest ethical standards in the conduct of research. Through education, membership services, professional certification, public policy initiatives, and community building, PRIM&R supports the professionals responsible for ensuring that research is conducted ethically.
As research evolves, PRIM&R is leading the way in helping the research oversight community navigate the ethical and governance challenges posed by artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies. Through expanded resources, programming, and convenings, PRIM&R equips its community with the knowledge and connections needed to respond thoughtfully to a rapidly changing landscape. By collaborating with experts across the research enterprise, PRIM&R continues to shape the national conversation on AI governance while advancing its longstanding mission to support ethical research oversight.
About Advarra
Advarra provides the platform, insights, and expertise that make clinical trials more efficient and connected. As the leading independent IRB, we bring more than 40 years of trusted oversight to the industry, setting the standard for ethical reviews while building the largest collection of digitized protocols and operational data. This combined intelligence guides the protocol’s entire journey — from design through review, activation, and conduct — fueling a smarter, more adaptive research ecosystem.
Backed by decades of partnership with research sites, Advarra delivers the core systems and services that 50,000 investigators and their study teams depend on for optimal trial operations. Integrated with our solutions for study design, startup, and conduct, these capabilities create a collaborative technology platform trusted by sponsors and CROs globally.
By designing AI-powered workflows that streamline operations, reduce administrative burden, and promote transparency for all study stakeholders, we’re reimagining what’s possible in clinical research. Learn more at www.advarra.com.
Backed by decades of partnership with research sites, Advarra delivers the core systems and services that 50,000 investigators and their study teams depend on for optimal trial operations. Integrated with our solutions for study design, startup, and conduct, these capabilities create a collaborative technology platform trusted by sponsors and CROs globally.
By designing AI-powered workflows that streamline operations, reduce administrative burden, and promote transparency for all study stakeholders, we’re reimagining what’s possible in clinical research. Learn more at www.advarra.com.
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
Alyson Levitz-Jones (Advarra)
alyson.jones@advarra.com