Board Nominations Sought

A Message from Julie Lumeng, M.D., Associate Dean for Research, Medical School; Associate Vice President for Research-Clinical and Human Subjects Research, University of Michigan
 

April 21, 2026

Dear Colleagues

I am writing to solicit nominations for an IRBMED Vice-Chair for the B2 Boards. A document outlining the full areas of review for each board is linked here.

An IRBMED Vice-Chair should be a respected member of the University of Michigan faculty whose training, background and professional role qualify them as a scientist member of IRBMED. Candidates should have experience with the IRB review and board operations expertise, demonstrate a strong scholarly interest in human research protections and related ethical issues, and be well-informed in regulations relevant to human participants in research. Prior experience serving on an IRB is required. In addition, candidates should also have appropriate domain expertise aligned with the types of studies reviewed by the B2 Boards.

Vice-Chairs are appointed for three-year terms, which may be renewed upon satisfactory performance in the role and mutual agreement. The Medical School will provide 15% salary support and an administrative differential for this appointment.

Please submit nominations by May 5, 2026, to Kindra Cooper, IRBMED Director, via email at [email protected]. For self-nominations, please include your CV and a letter of interest. For nominations of others, please submit a letter of support outlining the nominee’s qualifications. Letters of interest and CVs for those who are nominated by their peers will be solicited by Kindra. 

Best regards,
Julie Lumeng, M.D.
Professor of Pediatrics
Associate Dean for Research, Medical School 
Associate Vice President for Research-Clinical and Human Subjects Research, University of Michigan

April 10, 2026

Dear Colleagues:

I am thrilled to announce that Kevin Flaherty, M.D., M.S., has accepted the position as the Co-Chair of IRBMED Boards A2 and B1.

As one of the three Co-Chairs overseeing all human subjects research under the IRBMED, Dr. Flaherty will help lead the IRBMED Office, Boards, and research community in upholding ethical standards by providing mentorship to investigators, guidance to board members and staff, and expertise in the developing of IRB policies and practices.

Dr. Flaherty is a Professor of Internal Medicine in the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine at the University of Michigan. He completed his medical education, Internal Medicine residency, and chief residency at Indiana University, followed by fellowship training in pulmonary and critical care medicine at U-M. He also earned a Master’s degree in Biostatistics and Clinical Study Design from the School of Public Health. His research focuses on the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of interstitial lung diseases, and he has authored more than 300 peer-reviewed publications. He currently serves as Director of the Michigan Medicine Interstitial Lung Disease Program and holds several leadership roles in research training and education.

Dr. Flaherty brings extensive IRB experience to this role, having served as an IRBMED member since 2004 and as Vice Chair since 2012. His longstanding commitment to human research protections and deep understanding of regulatory oversight will be invaluable as he steps into this leadership position.

Best regards,
Julie Lumeng, M.D.
Professor of Pediatrics
Associate Dean for Research, Medical School
Associate Vice President for Research-Clinical and Human Subjects Research, University of Michigan