Research Compliance
UMass Boston’s research compliance activities rest on the joint efforts of investigators, support staff, study participants, and the community, as well as collaboration among departmental, collegiate and central units.
The University’s goal is to provide information, support, and administrative systems necessary to ensure compliance with regulations and policies governing research in the most efficient and effective manner possible. The compliance program is designed to be proactive, transparent and integrated to such an extent that potential issues are identified and mitigated without compromising the conduct of research.
Research Compliance contributes to a culture of research excellence at UMass Boston by
- ensuring compliance with federal, state and local regulations related to research activities;
- creating and supporting an environment that promotes the ethical and responsible conduct of research; and
- developing training and educational resources that promote responsible conduct and integrity in research.
The University compliance program is established through the following core activities.
Awareness, Education, and Training
Communicating standards, procedures, and responsibilities to investigators, administrators, and staff through appropriate education and training.
Communication
Developing and maintaining effective systems of communication, including resources for promptly responding to evolving compliance issues, questions, or concerns.
Enforcement and Corrective Action
Enforcing standards fairly and consistently; promptly investigating and resolving issues of non-compliance; evaluating and modifying compliance procedures where appropriate to prevent recurring situations of non-compliance.
Monitoring and Auditing
Implementing monitoring and auditing systems to identify problematic areas related to compliance and revising procedures, as necessary, to address problematic areas.
Policies and Procedures
Designing standards, policies and procedures that adhere to regulatory compliance requirements and facilitate the conduct of research.
Program Oversight
Ensuring compliance through senior leadership and independent oversight.
Risk Assessment
Monitoring changes in compliance policies and examining research activities regularly to identify and reduce the potential for compliance-related breaches to occur.
Roles and Responsibilities
Maintaining clear roles and responsibilities for all concerned with UMass Boston’s research enterprise, using due care and appropriate oversight when assigning compliance responsibilities.
