Catch the latest news, tips and advice that supports you and Florida Atlantic University in building a culture of research compliance.
June 2015

Financial Conflict of Interest and Its Impact on Your Research

The Division of Research has recently modified its requirements related to the federal policy governing significant financial conflict of interest in sponsored research. The modifications allow the university to make informed judgments about each instance where a researcher has a significant financial interest in an outside entity that may affect the design, conduct or reporting of their research. Full disclosure by FAU researchers assists the Financial Conflict of Interest faculty committee to determine if a conflict of interest exists. Please review the details related to training requirements and account set up. READ MORE 

The Path to AAALAC International Accreditation 
FAU is moving towards Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC) International accreditation of the entire animal care and use program. As part of this concerted effort, the Division of Research has secured the services of consultant Ron Banks, D.V.M., to assist in this endeavor. Banks is the Director of the Office of Animal Welfare Assurance at Duke University (an AAALAC accredited institution), and has served for many years as an AAALAC ad-hoc site visitor and council member. Banks will be conducting a program-wide evaluation at FAU from August 4 - 6.  The visit will include in-person visits to every FAU facility where animals are housed, a complete review of the existing animal care and use program, and the occupational health and safety program. Banks will also meet with IACUC and university leadership. 

Principal investigators managing satellite facilities have been asked to submit a draft of Section IV of the AAALAC program description, and the physical plant section of the application, to the Research Integrity Office at [email protected] by June 15. FAU's facilities unit will assist investigators with identifying contacts. READ MORE
Social Media & Research: Where to Draw the Line?
These days we "share" everything - on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, everywhere! The line between our personal and professional identities is not easily drawn. While it's okay to be proud of our accomplishments, some images are best displayed in scientific forums, not on our Instagram page.

Here's some examples of inappropriate use of social media:
  • Pictures of patients involved in research studies, as it may violate privacy laws. Persons photographed may need to sign a media release first.
  • Pictures of research labs, especially of research animals, may be offensive to some.
  • Pictures of confidential research (e.g., a new technology being developed) READ MORE

Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) Made Simple  

Does something look different? Last fall, the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative l aunched a new RCR Basic Course to replace all discipline-specific RCR modules. This change was made to update, strengthen, and simplify the delivery of RCR content.
Do I Need Institutional Review Board (IRB)Review? 

We often hear: "I have a human subject research study, but I don't know if it needs IRB review." We wish we had a simple answer, but there are so many, "it depends on..." responses. 

 

We have guidance with definitions, a decision flow chart and a simplified determination form that you can fill out and email to [email protected] for an informal determination. If you need a formal determination letter for your files, submit the determination form via the IRBNet electronic system.

 

Generally speaking, you are engaged in human subject research if you are collecting data or specimens directly from a person or about a person with the intent of analyzing that data to contribute to "generalizable knowledge." READ MORE
Important Updates

The NEW Institutional Review Board (IRB) Application is available through IRBNet. Please note that past IRB applications are no longer being accepted as of June 1. 

Staff News
Ms. Angela Clear, Associate Director in the Research Integrity office, will be leaving FAU after 10 years of outstanding service to the Division of Research. Angela's last day will be July 2. All are welcome to stop by to wish her a fond farewell. Those of us who have had the privilege of working with Angela will truly miss her. We all wish her the very best in her future endeavors.