Research Compliance at UAB encompasses five research oversight offices within the Office of Research (OoR) that report to Jonathan Miller, Associate Vice President for Research Compliance.
- Office of the Human Research Protection Program (HRPP)
- Office of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC)
- Office of Research Conflicts of Interest (RCOI)
- Office of Research Integrity Assurance (RIA)
- Office of Research Safety and Security (RSS)
These offices work to ensure the safe, ethical, and compliant conduct of research at the institution and across the enterprise. A brief description of each office is provided below.
Office of the Human Research Protection Program (HRPP)
The Office of the Human Research Protection Program (HRPP) is responsible for safeguarding the rights and welfare of individuals who participate in research. It oversees all research involving human subjects, including direct interactions and interventions with individuals, as well as the use of identifiable data and specimens such as medical records, biological samples, and educational records. The HRPP supports the Institutional Review Boards (IRB) in reviewing and monitoring human subjects research to ensure compliance with federal regulations, ethical standards, and institutional policies. UAB’s HRPP includes three local IRBs and provides comprehensive guidance and education to investigators, research staff, and students on the safe, ethical, and compliant conduct of human research. The office facilitates protocol submissions, ensures proper implementation of informed consent processes, and monitors ongoing studies for continued compliance. Additionally, the HRPP plays a key role in maintaining UAB’s assurance with the Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP) and accreditation through the Association for the Accreditation of Human Research Protection Programs (AAHRPP). Through its oversight and support functions, the HRPP promotes ethical research practices, protects participant safety, and upholds the integrity of UAB’s research enterprise.
Office of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC)
The Office of the IACUC (IACUC) oversees the ethical and humane treatment of animals used in research, teaching, and testing. It ensures compliance with federal regulations, institutional policies, and accreditation standards. The office supports the IACUC committee by coordinating protocol reviews, conducting inspections, and providing training and guidance to researchers. It serves as a resource for investigators to navigate animal welfare requirements and promotes responsible animal care practices. Through its work, the office helps maintain UAB’s commitment to high standards of animal research ethics and regulatory compliance.
Office of Research Conflicts of Interest (RCOI)
The Office of Research Conflicts of Interest (RCOI) is responsible for ensuring that research activities are conducted with integrity and transparency. It manages disclosures of financial interests and relationships that could potentially influence research outcomes. The office works closely with faculty, staff, and investigators to identify, review, and manage conflicts of interest in accordance with federal regulations and institutional policies. Its goal is to protect the credibility of UAB’s research enterprise while supporting innovation and collaboration. Through education, oversight, and policy enforcement, the office helps maintain public trust in the university’s research efforts.
Office of Research Integrity Assurance (RIA)
The Office of Research Integrity Assurance (RIA) plays a central role in fostering a culture of ethical research practices. It oversees compliance with federal regulations concerning research misconduct, including fabrication, falsification, and plagiarism. The office manages the process for reporting and investigating allegations of misconduct, ensuring fairness, confidentiality, and adherence to institutional policies. In addition to its oversight responsibilities, the office coordinates training to faculty, staff, and students/trainees on the principles of responsible conduct of research (RCR). These educational efforts cover topics such as data management, authorship, peer review, and conflicts of interest. By equipping the research community with knowledge and resources, the office helps prevent misconduct and promotes integrity across all disciplines. Its work supports UAB’s commitment to excellence in research and public trust in its scholarly activities.
Office of Research Safety and Security (ORSS)
The Office of Research Safety and Security (ORSS) integrates key functions from both Research Safety and Research Security to support the university’s commitment to safe, secure, and compliant research practices. The office supports the research safety committees - Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC), Radioactive and Radiation Safety Committee (RRSC), Chemical Safety and Environmental Management Committee (CSEMC), and the Laser Safety Advisory Committee (LSAC) - to ensure that UAB researchers adhere to federal and state regulations and institutional policies governing the safe conduct of research. The office is also responsible for the institution’s research security program. ORSS provides guidance on international collaborations, oversees technology control plans, and supports screening processes for international visitors to campus. It also plays a critical role in educating faculty, staff, and students about research security risks and best practices. By coordinating safety protocols and export compliance, the office helps protect UAB’s research enterprise, promotes responsible conduct, and ensures alignment with national security and foreign policy interests.