By Simon Ruini, London
The Ethics Committee of the Medical University of Vienna has approved a new submission method of clinical research projects and also their assessment is now available online. Unlike in the past, the submission and evaluation of clinical research projects and studies is now possible entirely without paper. The electronic submission and management system study authors also have the option to make changes to their submissions online and these are documented and therefore it is ensured that always the latest version will be used. External reviewer comments, amendments, safety reports (SUSARs), study plan amendments, etc., can can now also be uploaded or entered online. The system also sends reminders, such as an expiring extension of a study. The absence of paper documents runs until the final process of peer review: the applicant will obtain the results of the vote on the submission in the form of a digitally signed PDF. The User Manual, which provides the Ethics Committee of the Medical University of Vienna is available on its website with detailed information about this new and simplified way of submission, assessment and management of research projects.