March 2023 Newsletter
|
Stay up-to-date with the latest news and resources from the Office of Research Protections (ORP)
|
|
|
|
|
New Proposed Research Security Requirements
|
|
The White House's Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) released the anticipated draft Research Security Program Standard Requirements on March 7th for public comment. This research security program draft includes new requirements applicable to institutions receiving at least $50 million in federal research and development (R&D) funding. These new requirements include the following:
-
Pre-registration, review and approval of foreign travel along with mandatory security briefings.
-
Mandatory research security training for all personnel participating on a federal award.
-
Baseline cybersecurity safeguarding protocols and procedures for information systems used to store, transmit, and conduct federally funded R&D.
-
As a condition for receiving and maintaining federal R&D projects, applicable institutions must certify that they maintain a written research security program.
Institutions have until June 5th (90 days) to submit comments to OSTP. ORP will continue providing updates on the new research security requirements as the proposal moves through the review-and-comment period to implementation.
|
|
|
|
On March 17th, Chancellor Gallagher approved University Policy RI-13, Drones. This policy recognizes the ever-expanding applications to use Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Drones), and provides guidance on their safe use in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. A website that is under development will provide additional information about the requirements for drone use promulgated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), as well as procedures to notify and authorize different types of drone operations on campus.
|
|
|
|
Guidance for International Research
Planning a research or educational trip abroad this summer? It is important to plan early to ensure that your travel complies with all applicable compliance regulations and University policies. There are several offices that can provide assistance to you.
The Office of Trade Compliance (OTC) provides tailored guidance for both general international travel and remote research, based on your intended destination, areas of research or study, and any University-owned equipment you may need to perform your activities while abroad. After receiving the Travel Review Form (general or educational travel) or the Remote Research Request (for research-specific travel), OTC will provide tailored guidance and assistance with any necessary export licenses and other required export paperwork. For more
information, see OTC's website.
The Human Research Protection (HRP) Division has guidance material about international research available on its website, including the type of approvals and permission letters that are required, as well as checklists for different types of projects.
|
|
|
|
How do training requirements at Pitt compare to those at other institutions? ORP recently conducted a benchmarking study, and found that our requirements are intermediate: some institutions require more training, while others require less.
These tables compare training requirements across leading universities.
The ORP website provides information about training required for all Pitt researchers, as well as training required for specific research disciplines. A training table summarizes these requirements.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Development of MyIACUC, the new system for managing protocol submissions to the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), has started; the system will be launched during the 2023-24 academic year.
The MyIBC (Institutional Biosafety) system, used to process protocols for the use of recombinant DNA and human stem cells, is currently being upgraded.
An upgrade of the PittPRO system used for management of protocols submitted to the Institutional Review Board is also forthcoming.
We'll keep you updated and provide guidance as the upgraded systems come online.
|
|
|
|
|
|
If you are required to complete an Annual Disclosure Certification, you received an email from MyDisclosures between March 15th and 18th.
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 the University Conflict of Interest Division at mydisclosures_support@pitt.edu.
|
|
|
|
|
|
ORP Division Spotlight
ORP's Animal Research Protection (ARP) Division supports the IACUC in the oversight of the University's programs, facilities, and procedures related to the appropriate care, use, and humane treatment of research animals.
The ARP Division provides monthly virtual training sessions on a variety of topics such as aseptic surgical techniques, use of controlled drugs in a research setting, and preparing a laboratory for semi-annual reviews. ARP also offers personalized training for new labs and personnel, as well as refresher training for more experienced groups.
ARP personnel can also assist investigators in preparing protocols for submission to the IACUC. If you have questions, email us at iacuc@pitt.edu or give us a call at 412-383-2008. Our website iacuc.pitt.edu provides resources for investigators and their research teams.
The ARP team frequently visits labs and animal facilities; we promise, we don’t bite. When you see us around, please feel free to ask us questions and talk to us about all your amazing research!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Need help in ensuring that your research meets regulatory requirements and ethical standards?
Then use the ORP Support Service!
Just answer a few questions and we will put you in touch with the right professionals to help facilitate your research.
|
|
|
|
|
|
