IRB Topaz Online Protocol Submissions

The IRB submission process is being facilitated through the online TOPAZ Electronic Protocol Application System. This new system provides an efficient way to electronically prepare, submit, approve, and track protocols through the IRB review process.

Researchers should review all of the information on this page to ensure they are following the appropriate instructions for accessing and submitting protocols through the TOPAZ system. To jump to a specific section of this page, select one of the links below.

IRB Protocol Submission Instructions
IRB Application Forms
System Requirements
Accessing the System
Useful Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact Us

IRB Protocol Submission Instructions

Investigators should first review the Obtaining IRB Approval page for an overview of the IRB submission steps before submitting a protocol through the TOPAZ system. Once you have reviewed over the steps, you should then proceed with reviewing the TOPAZ user guide, which provides instructions on submitting protocol applications through the online TOPAZ system.

Creating Topaz IRB Protocol Applications

IRB Application Forms

The following IRB application forms are available for online electronic submission within the TOPAZ system:

  • IRB Approval Form – For Expedited / Full Board Review Submissions
  • IRB Exemption Form – For Exempt Review Submissions
  • IRB HSR Determination Form – For Human Subject Research Determinations (Determining if IRB approval is applicable)
  • IRB Reliance Request Form – For Requesting to have FIU Rely Upon an External IRB
  • IRB Amendment Form – For Expedited / Full Board Review Amendments
  • IRB Exempt Amendment Form – For Exempt Review Amendments
  • IRB Reliance Amendment Form – For Reliance Request Amendments
  • IRB Renewal Form – For Expedited / Full Board Review Renewals
  • IRB Reliance Renewal Form – For Reliance Request Renewals
  • IRB Event Report Form – For Expedited / Full Board Review Adverse Event or Deviation Reports
  • IRB Exempt Event Report Form – For Exempt Review Adverse Event or Deviation Reports
  • IRB Reliance Event Report Form – For Reliance Request Adverse Events or Deviation Reports
  • IRB Exempt Project Completion Form – For Exempt Review Completions
  • IRB Project Completion Form – For Expedited / Full Board Review Completions

System Requirements

  • TOPAZ Elements is accessible from any modern web browser (Safari, Chrome, Firefox, or Edge).

    Please do not use Internet Explorer 11 and adopt one of the browsers mentioned above for added security and better functionality.

Accessing the System

  • Topaz System Website:
    https://topaz.fiu.edu/
  • TOPAZ System Login:
    The TOPAZ system requires authentication credentials through LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol).  Please login with your MyAccounts login information (i.e., Panther ID and password). If you are unable to access the system, then you will need to follow the System Access Request instructions below, so we can create a TOPAZ account for you.
  • TOPAZ System Access Request for FIU Personnel:
    If you are FIU Personnel (i.e., FIU Faculty, Staff, and Students with existing Panther IDs) and unable to login, please fill out and submit the following form to have a TOPAZ account created: Personnel Access Request Form. You should expect to receive an email confirming that your account has been created within 1-2 business days of submitting the request.
  • TOPAZ System Access Request for Non FIU Personnel:
    If you are Non FIU Personnel (i.e., individuals without existing Panther IDs) and are unable to login to Topaz, please have the Principal Investigator fill out the Person of Interest form referenced on the Division of Human Resources website here.
    Per the HR website: “A POI form can be completed either by the Manager or the Person of Interest. The POI form can be found under the Recruitment forms in the Manager Self Service or Employee Self Service within PantherSoft Human Resources. Once completed, print form and both the supervisor and the person of interest must sign.
    If you have any questions regarding this form, please contact HR directly at: (305) 348-2181.
    After you have submitted this form and received a Panther ID, please proceed to filling out the Personnel Access Request Form to have a TOPAZ account created. You should expect to receive an email confirming that your account has been created within 1-2 business days of submitting the request.
  • TOPAZ System Help: If you have any questions about accessing the TOPAZ system, please email us at topaz-help@fiu.edu.

Useful Tips

  • Click the “Save Button” frequently when completing an application form. The system will not automatically save your work as you complete an application form.
  • When attaching a document to a protocol, make sure that you have closed the document file prior to uploading it as an attachment in Topaz.
  • The maximum size limit for uploading an attachment is 5 MB.
  • Press F11 to view full screen and to avoid pressing the back button which logs you out of the system.
  • Please add topaz-noreply@fiu.edu to your spam settings since the Electronic Protocol Application System uses this email address.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Frequently asked questions on using the TOPAZ system are available on our main IRB FAQs web page.

Contact Us