Compliance and Safety

ORSP is charged with adherence to the ethical and safe conduct of research and sponsored projects. Individuals proposing research projects which contemplate the use of human subjects, carcinogenic or toxic compounds, animals, recombinant DNA, pathogens, or radioactive materials should contact ORSP for further information about any of the areas listed below.

Introduction: Ethics in the conduct of sponsored projects

Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR)
Graduate and undergraduate students working on National Science Foundation research grants are required to complete a training program in the responsible conduct of research.

Protection of Human Research Subjects (IRB)
The Institutional Review Board for the Protection of Human Subjects (IRB) is charged with the responsibility for reviewing and approving research involving the use of human beings as subjects of research activities in accordance with the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) guidelines. Note that most agencies require that the IRB review and approve protocols prior to submission of a proposal.

Animal Care and Use (IACUC)
University policy requires that all projects involving the use of live animals must be reviewed by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) prior to the initiation of research. Note that most federal agencies now require that protocols using animals be reviewed and approved by the IACUC prior to submission.

Export Control Regulations
Export control regulations are federal laws that prohibit the unlicensed export of certain goods, products, or information for national security and to protect trade. Project directors should review this section prior to hiring non-US citizens.

Biosafety and Select Agents
Research involving biohazards, such as novel recombinant DNA, blood-borne pathogens, and carcinogens requires protocol review in compliance with National Institutes of Health guidelines prior to the submission of a proposal or the start of the research.

Environmental Safety and Health/Radiation
The University Radiation Safety Officer is responsible for ensuring the effective use of safety measures relating to radioactive materials and radiation devices, consistent with the Radiation Control Program of the Texas Department of Health, the Texas Radiation Control Act, and the Federal Radiation Control for Health and Safety Act of 1968.