The iStar system is a web-based application routing and tracking system that increases the efficiency of the approval and administrative processes for projects and protocols involving human subjects and animals in research. It has replaced and automated a manual and paper-intensive process. iStar is a collaborative effort between the University of Southern California and the Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) to standardize and computerize the Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) at USC and CHLA. In 2013 and 2014, the IACUC, Biosafety, and Radiation Safety Committees have also utilized the iStar system for their respective submission process.
The iStar system utilizes the Click Portal, a product from Huron Consulting Group. This project was initially funded by two NIH grants awarded to the USC and CHLA IRBs.
Since July 1, 2005 for HSIRB and UPIRB and January 1, 2006 for CHLA IRB, all new study applications have been required to be submitted via the iStar system.
Since July 1, 2013 for USC, all new animal protocols have been required to be submitted via the iStar system.
Since January 1, 2014 for USC, all new Biohazardous Use Applications have been required to be submitted via iStar.
Since April 1, 2014 for USC, all new Radioactive Use Applications have been required to be submitted via iStar.
