Research Integrity Officer (RIO)

The RIO is charged with overseeing the investigation of all allegations of research misconduct, which is defined by federal law as falsification, fabrication or plagiarism in the conduct of science. The RIO is responsible for reporting to the appropriate federal agencies and findings of research misconduct as required by the Office of Research Integrity and institutional policies.

To complete this purpose the RIO works closely with legal counsel and other research-related offices such as the Institutional Review Board for research involving human subjects, the institutional Animal Care and Use Committee for research involving animals, the Office of Sponsored Programs, and the Conflict of Interest Office.

All members of the research community, including faculty, research staff, students, adjunct faculty and visiting researchers, are expected to adhere to the highest ethical and professional standards as they pursue research activities, complying with all legal, regulatory, and ethical requirements established by the University, regulatory bodies, funding sources and professional organizations.

Required Training

Good Clinical Practice (GCP) requires that clinical research personnel be qualified by means of background, education, training and experience to perform their assigned duties.

National Institutes of Health (NIH) policy requires that all key personnel involved in the design or conduct of clinical research must receive education on human subjects protection (HSP) before NIH funds are awarded. HSP training involves education in the requirements of the US federal regulations at 45 CFR 46, Protection of Human Subjects. Individuals who become involved in the project after the initial award must also receive this training.

Individuals conducting clinical trials under the jurisdiction of the FDA, including all trials conducted under an Investigational New Drug Application (IND), must receive training in the applicable regulations found in CFR Title 21.

The PI is responsible for ensuring that all personnel receive the appropriate HSP and, if indicated, training in GCP and the applicable FDA regulations. The PI is also responsible for ensuring that new staff (added after the initial award) receives this training.

Learn more about Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) training.