Pitt Research
Office of Research Protections

Earlier this month, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) released updated guidance for federal agencies related to research security:

• The adoption and use of Common Disclosure Forms;
• Rules covering Foreign Talent Recruitment programs.

The OSTP memo addressing Common Disclosure Forms requires federal agencies to submit an implementation plan indicating when and how the agency will implement the approved Biographical Sketch Common Form and the Current and Pending (Other) Support Common Form. 

The OSTP memo addressing Foreign Talent Recruitment Programs requires federal agencies to adopt two main sections of the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 ("CHIPS Act"). One of these sections prohibits covered individuals/key personnel participating in federal awards from engaging in malign foreign talent recruitment programs, as defined by the CHIPS Act.

This year, ORP is proud to celebrate its 25th anniversary!

Initially launched in 1999 as the Research Conduct and Compliance Office, ORP has evolved and expanded over the years to accommodate the needs of faculty and investigators and to facilitate research that meets the highest of ethical standards.

The University's Annual Disclosure Period begins on March 18. Disclosure forms are due by April 15.

If you are required to submit an annual disclosure, you will receive an email notification from MyDisclosures between March 18 and March 20.

Do not complete your annual disclosure until you receive the email notification from MyDisclosures! Disclosures completed before March 18, 2024 do not satisfy the 2024 annual disclosure requirement. 

Training videos for disclosers, supervisors and administrators are available here. Step-by-step instructions on how to complete disclosures, supervisor reviews and access MyDisclosures reports are available here. Guidance regarding disclosure requirements is available here. 

If you have questions, please contact ORP's Conflict of Interest Division at mydisclosures_support@pitt.edu.

For over 30 years, Research!America has commissioned public opinion surveys to understand Americans’ views on medical, health and scientific research.

In January 2024, the advocacy alliance published a national survey that found that the majority of Americans—regardless of political affiliation—are more likely to support candidates who favor investing in medical and health research.

Key findings from the survey include:

• 84% say it is important for political candidates to promote faster medical progress.
• 69% of Americans are more likely to support a candidate if they favor increased spending on medical and health research.
• Americans say cost of healthcare is the most important health issue, followed by mental health and cancer.