Is this email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser

Pitt Research
Office of Research Protections

Federal Agencies Expand Mandatory Research Security Training Requirements

Several federal funding agencies recently implemented annual research security training requirements for individuals designated as covered (senior/key) personnel on awards. These requirements are aligned with the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, which directs all federal funding agencies to ensure covered personnel complete research security training.

It is anticipated that additional federal funding agencies will adopt similar requirements in the near future, as required by the CHIPS and Science Act.

Action Required:

We are requesting that all University members who may be listed as senior/key personnel on applications to federal funding agencies—or who are currently serving as senior/key personnel on active federal awards—complete research security training as required by their funding agency.

How to Complete the Training:

Research security training that meets federal requirements is available through the University’s CITI Program portal.

  1. Log in using your University of Pittsburgh credentials.
  2. Go to "Learner Tools for the University of Pittsburgh" (the menu at the bottom of the landing page), and click on "Add a Course".
  3. Choose "Research Security Training" from the menu of available courses.  This is the bottom course in the menu.

The training module is interactive and requires approximately one hour to complete. Completion will be automatically recorded, ensuring that relevant offices can verify compliance with the requirement.

If you have any questions regarding research security training, please contact the Office of Research Protections at ORP_Support@pitt.edu.

Thank you for your attention to this important compliance requirement.

Keep Your Protocol Information Up-to-Date


It is essential to update your IRB, IACUC, or IBC protocol whenever there are changes to funding sources, personnel, or financial interests involving listed personnel.

  • Funding agencies require the University to report certain types of noncompliance, and inaccurate or outdated funding information in a protocol can result in misdirected reports.
  • In addition, timely updates to personnel are essential to ensure we can contact the appropriate individuals regarding study-related matters.
  • Finally, if a new financial interest of an investigator creates a potential conflict of interest, this must be reported through a protocol modification so that an appropriate management plan can be established.

Please assist in maintaining institutional compliance by updating your protocols promptly.

New to Research at Pitt? ORP's Onboarding Service Can Guide You

researchers in lab, wearing safety goggles and masks

The Office of Research Protections (ORP) offers an onboarding service for new investigators to help navigate University research requirements and resources. ORP can provide you with guidance on IRB or IACUC protocol submissions, submissions to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), research security and research integrity training, biosafety requirements, conflict of interest management, and other matters related to regulatory compliance.

If you’re beginning your first project at Pitt—or simply want to better understand available support—ORP can help you get acclimated quickly and efficiently. Completing the short intake survey allows ORP staff to tailor their assistance and connect you with the right offices and tools for your research.

Complete the ORP Onboarding Survey

SCAW IACUC Training Workshop – September 25, 2025


The Scientists Center for Animal Welfare (SCAW), in collaboration with the University of Pittsburgh, will host an in-person IACUC Training Workshop on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at The Assembly, 5051 Center Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA.

This workshop offers training on the ethics and regulatory oversight for the use of laboratory animals in research.

A limited number of scholarships are available to cover registration costs. If you are interested, email iacuc@pitt.edu.

Learn more and register. 

Recap: 2025 Basic Biomedical Researcher Symposium

The Office of Research Protections (ORP) recently hosted the Basic Biomedical Researcher Symposium, a virtual event designed to connect new and established investigators with Pitt's research offices and resources. Sessions focused on key compliance and support areas, aimed at helping researchers navigate requirements and strengthen their work. 

Recordings of all presentations are now available for those who were unable to attend live: 

Explore the Guide to ORP


The Office of Research Protections (ORP) has a comprehensive guide that outlines its divisions, services, and the many ways it supports Pitt investigators.  The Guide to ORP provides an overview of ORP’s mission and history, details the function of each division, and highlights the committees we support across the University.

With one-page summaries for areas such as Human Research Protection, Biosafety, Research Integrity, Conflict of Interest, and more, the guide is a practical reference for understanding how ORP partners with researchers to ensure compliance and promote ethical, high-quality science.

Access the Guide to ORP

New Contact Information for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)


The contact information for the Pittsburgh DEA office has recently changed. For inquiries related to DEA registrations or related matters, the office may now be reached by email at DEA.Registration.Pittsburgh@dea.gov. You may also phone the office at 412-777-6940 to speak with the Diversion Investigator on duty.

Coming or Going? We're Here to Help!


Whether you are new to Pitt or preparing to retire or relocate, we are here to assist you.

For new University members, our Onboarding Service offers customized help with protocol writing and other regulatory matters.

If you are leaving, please refer to our Departing Investigator Checklist and complete the accompanying form to receive guidance from relevant offices.

Simply reach out, and we'll provide the support you need.

Executive Orders and Federal Funding


The University has launched a new webpage dedicated to tracking executive orders and their impact on federally-funded research.

Upcoming Educational & Training Opportunities

Consider signing up for this training opportunity offered by the Office of Research Protections:

Stay in the Loop—Join Our Monthly Newsletter
Mailing List 


If you're not already subscribed to receive our monthly newsletter, it's quick and easy to sign-up and stay connected with the latest from the Office of Research Protections (ORP). 
Roc the Panther

Learn More About How ORP Can Support You >

Roc the Panther

View Upcoming ORP Events >

University of Pittsburgh