April 2026 Newsletter
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Stay up-to-date with the latest news and resources from the Office of Research Protections (ORP)
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Streamlined Research Security Module Now Available
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In response to feedback from the University community, we are pleased to announce a streamlined Research Security Refresher Course — designed to meet federal training requirements while remaining directly relevant to the day-to-day work of Pitt faculty, staff, and students.
How to Complete Training
Research security training is currently required by the National Science Foundation (NSF), Department of Energy (DOE), and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for all key and covered personnel listed on a new or competing proposal. These individuals must attest, under penalty of law, that Research Security Training was completed within 12 months prior to proposal submission.
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The National Institutes of Health (NIH) will join the federal agencies listed above in requiring Research Security Training for proposals submitted on or after May 25, 2026. Effective on that date, all key personnel listed on a proposal must have completed Research Security Training within the 12 months prior to submission, and must attest — under penalty of law — that they have done so within that timeframe.
If you are submitting a proposal to the NIH for an upcoming summer deadline, please ensure that all key personnel have completed the Research Security Course as outlined above. A proposal cannot be submitted unless all key personnel have completed the training in the prior 12 months.
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New Research Security Requirements
Three new federal policies regulate access to NIH secure-access repositories, as well as data sharing and the transfer of human biospecimens to countries of concern: China (including Hong Kong and Macau), Iran, North Korea, Russia, Cuba and Venezuela. Please be familiar with these policies to ensure you remain compliant with the requirements.
DOJ Data Security Program
The Department of Justice issued a final rule (28 CFR Part 202) under Executive Order 14117, establishing the Data Security Program. The rule restricts U.S. persons from engaging in certain transactions involving bulk sensitive personal data with countries of concern. Covered data includes human genomic data, biometric identifiers, precise geolocation, personal health data, and personal financial data, and the rule applies to data brokerage, vendor, employment, and investment agreements.
Learn more →
NIH Controlled-Access Data Repositories
NIH is prohibiting access to NIH Controlled-Access Data Repositories (CADRs) and associated data by researchers and institutions located in any country of concern (NOT-OD-25-083). Ongoing projects
involving sharing CADR data with researchers at these institutions have also been terminated.
NIH Human Biospecimens Security Policy
NIH Notice NOT-OD-25-160 prohibits sharing human biospecimens of U.S. persons — directly or indirectly — with institutions or parties in countries of concern when those specimens were collected, obtained, stored, used, or distributed using ongoing or new NIH funds. The policy applies regardless of whether specimens are identifiable, coded, or de-identified, and covers all NIH funding mechanisms.
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U.S. export control regulations play a critical role in protecting sensitive technologies and research — yet their application in university settings is often misunderstood or overlooked.
On April 24, the ORP Seminar Series featured Allen DiPalma, ORP's Executive Director of Research Security and Trade Compliance, who presented:
U.S. Export Control Regulations and How They Apply to Universities
If you missed the talk, the recording and slides are available at the links below:
▶ Recording
📄 Slides
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Leaving the University This Summer?
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If you are retiring or transitioning to another institution, it is important to properly close out your laboratory and research activities to avoid regulatory complications. We’re here to help make that process as smooth as possible.
Please start by reviewing the Checklist for Investigators Leaving the University.
In addition, all departing faculty members must complete an online notification form as far in advance of their departure date as possible. Submitting this form will alert the relevant University offices, who will follow up to ensure research activities are concluded appropriately.
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The University received positive results from its annual inspection by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Conducted April 13 - 17 by the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), the inspection assessed the University’s compliance with the Animal Welfare Act and its implementing regulations — a review that federal law requires at least once per year for all registered research institutions.
No items of noncompliance were identified. This outcome is a testament to the dedication and professionalism of our animal care and research communities, and reflects the strength of our animal research program.
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If you are required to complete an Annual Disclosure, you received an email from MyDisclosures between March 16 and 20.
To review disclosure requirements, MyDisclosures training videos, step-by-step instructions or guidance for supervisors, visit the Conflict of Interest website.
If you have questions, contact the Office of Research Protections’ Conflict of Interest Division at mydisclosures_support@pitt.edu.
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Stay Compliant: Radiation Safety Training Required for Clinical Trial Teams
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If your research involves radiopharmaceutical clinical trials, you and your entire study team are required to complete Radiation Safety Training for Human Use through the Radiation Safety Office. This training must be renewed every three years.
Note: The principal investigator (PI) may be exempt from this requirement only if they are also serving as the Authorized User on the study.
Important: This training must be completed before your study can be added to the Human Use Subcommittee agenda.
To schedule your training, contact the Radiation Safety Officer at lrp34@pitt.edu.
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Beginning July 1, 2026, the Office of Research Protections (ORP) will implement updated fees for industry-sponsored human participant protocol reviews involving Human Gene Transfer and Innovative Uses of Radiation (e.g., radiopharmaceuticals).
These fees reflect the increased complexity and regulatory oversight required for these types of studies and will support enhanced review processes and compliance resources.
Please note: These fees apply only to studies involving human participants—not animal or bench research. The updated fee sheet is available within the PittPro Library, and additional details will also be posted on the ORP website.
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Upcoming Educational & Training Opportunities
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Consider signing up for these training opportunities offered by the Office of Research Protections and our partners:
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