Maine Regulatory Training and Ethics Center

10/13/2026

🚀 Save the Date & Call for Abstracts: The 2027 Three I’s: Research Integrity™ Conference!

For over 25 years, the Three I’s Conference has served as a cornerstone for ethical research training. Join us as we explore current trends, promote best practices, and examine the critical synergy between IACUCs, IBCs, and IRBs to build resilience, reduce redundancies, and enhance safety across research programs.

📅 Dates: Monday, April 26 – Thursday, April 29, 2027

⏰ Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM EDT daily

💻 Format: Fully Virtual (Hosted on Whova)

🤝 Co-Hosts: MeRTEC, NESBR, and NCABR

📣 CALL FOR ABSTRACTS

Are you ready to share your expertise with a national community of research and compliance professionals? Submit your abstract to present on compliance, ethics, biosecurity, and emerging trends!

⏳ Abstract Submission Deadline: November 25, 2026

🌱 BEECH TREE SCHOLARS AWARD PROGRAM

In Memory of Colleen Cody and Angela Birnbaum

New to research ethics and regulation? The Beech Tree Scholars Program supports emerging professionals by covering conference registration, providing key networking opportunities, and helping you build lasting roots in the community.

📧 Questions? Contact the team at [email protected] or visit the official MeRTEC Three I's website for full event details and submission links!

https://www.mertec.org/three-is.html

Empowering research organizations to confidently navigate ethical grey areas

09/08/2026

Drop by USM Job-A-Palooza and visit MeRTEC staff to learn about our student employment opportunities 🤔

04/28/2026

Day Two is LIVE! 🚀
We are back for Day Two of the virtual 3 I’s Conference, and the energy is already off the charts! We’re diving back into a full lineup of sessions designed to spark new ideas.

📸 Spotted in the Wild:
It looks like our SnackMagic treats have found some legendary company! They’re currently hanging out with the Operation Outbreak crew from 2025. It’s a literal throwback meet-up while we fuel up for today’s deep dives.

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04/13/2026

Bridging the Gap: The Three I’s & Human-Centric Compliance 🏛️🔬

Research oversight isn't just about checklists—it’s about people. Whether you work with IACUCs, IBCs, or IRBs, the goal is the same: advancing sound science while maintaining the highest ethical standards.

But what happens when stress, burnout, or non-compliance enter the mix? Join us for two essential sessions that rethink how we manage the "Three I's":

🔹 Getting It Right When Things Go Wrong: A Culture-of-Care approach to non-compliance. Move beyond blame and learn to use errors as opportunities to strengthen your animal welfare programs.
🔹 The 3Cs (Compliance, Conflict Management, and Compassion): Strategies to smooth friction between administrators and researchers, ensuring ethical research stays on track without sacrificing quality.

Learn how to lead your committee with integrity and empathy. 🤝

Register Now: https://www.mertec.org/three-is.html

Empowering research organizations to confidently navigate ethical grey areas

03/24/2026

✨ Meet Our 2026 Keynote Speaker: Dr. Barbara Emily Bierer! ✨

We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Barbara Emily Bierer to the virtual stage for this year's Three I’s: Biosecurity and Research Integrity™ Conference! 🎓

As a Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and a hematologist-oncologist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Dr. Bierer has dedicated her career to the ethics and regulation of clinical research. Whether you know her work from the MRCT Center, SMART IRB, or her 275+ publications, you know her insights are transformative for our field.

Don't miss the chance to learn from a true pioneer in research ethics and multi-site trial compliance!

🗓 Dates: April 27 – April 30, 2026
📍 Location: Virtual via the Whova App
🎟 Secure your spot today:

Empowering research organizations to confidently navigate ethical grey areas

02/17/2026

Elevate Your Research Oversight at Three I’s 2026! 🔬

How is your institution staying ahead of evolving biosecurity and integrity standards? Join us at the Three I’s Conference to get the latest updates on:

🔹 IACUC Best Practices
🔹 IBC Safety Protocols
🔹 IRB Ethical Guidelines

Registration is now open. Be part of the conversation that shapes the future of research integrity.

🎟️ Register Now

For over 27 years, NESBR, MeRTEC, and NCABR are committed to delivering a high-quality education and training program that fosters interactive, interdisciplinary learning and professional networking. Collaboration among compliance committees is essential, as they may be interconnected and often supp...

12/01/2025

There's still time! Abstract submissions are now open for the Three I's: Biosecurity & Research Integrity Conference, taking place virtually from April 27-30, 2026. This is a must-attend event for anyone involved in research compliance, ethics, and oversight.

Are you new to the field? Apply for the BEECH TREE SCHOLARS AWARD PROGRAM! This scholarship provides registration for the conference. It's a fantastic opportunity to network with and learn from leaders in the life sciences industry.

For more information on the conference, abstract submissions, and the Beech Tree Scholars program.

Empowering research organizations to confidently navigate ethical grey areas

09/24/2025

Exciting news! Abstract submissions are now open for the Three I's: Biosecurity & Research Integrity Conference, taking place virtually from April 27-30, 2026. This is a must-attend event for anyone involved in research compliance, ethics, and oversight.

Are you new to the field? Apply for the BEECH TREE SCHOLARS AWARD PROGRAM! This scholarship provides registration for the conference. It's a fantastic opportunity to network with and learn from leaders in the life sciences industry.

For more information on the conference, abstract submissions, and the Beech Tree Scholars program.

Empowering research organizations to confidently navigate ethical grey areas

07/07/2025

Ross Hickey is presenting a free live webinar! Join to hear more about "I'm a new RIO, what do I do now?"

As you take your first steps as a RIO, this webinar can help to get your journey started in the right direction!

04/29/2025

Diseases have never been so cute!