July 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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New Academic Visitor Policy
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The University's new Academic Visitor Policy (RI 15) was approved through the formal policy-approval process and took effect on July 7, 2026. The policy provides the governing principles for hosting academic visitors and delineates their rights and responsibilities, as well as the responsibilities of their University hosts.
Details regarding the approval process for academic visitors, along with the related procedures, are maintained on the University visitor website. All faculty and staff who are involved in inviting visitors to campus are encouraged to review both the policy and the associated procedures.
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NIH’s disclosure requirements are described here, and NSF’s here. Other agencies have similar requirements.
The proposal must disclose, in the appropriate section (Other Support or Facilities and Resources), all current and pending research funding — domestic or foreign, whether or not it directly relates to the proposed project — as well as in-kind support valued at $5,000 or more that involves a commitment of your time. In-kind support may include equipment, materials, services from external entities, or personnel costs. Your biographical sketch must list all academic, professional, and institutional appointments and affiliations, paid or unpaid, domestic or foreign. The bottom line: disclosure should be broad — over-disclosure is far preferable to under-disclosure.
External research support and appointments must also be disclosed to the University through MyDisclosures. This page explains what the University requires you to disclose.
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Over the past year, the U.S. federal government has issued several new requirements governing research collaborations with foreign institutions and the individuals affiliated with them. Understandably, the pace and volume of these changes have created some confusion for faculty and administrators alike.
To help navigate this evolving landscape, the Council on Governmental Relations (COGR) has published an issue brief, Co-Authorship and Foreign Collaborations, which explains how federal agencies are increasingly treating publication relationships and foreign co-authorship within their disclosure and research security review frameworks.
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Upcoming ORP Webinar
Foreign Engagement — What You Need to Know Now
As requirements related to foreign engagement continue to evolve, stay informed by attending ORP’s upcoming webinar.
The session will provide an overview of key considerations and resources to help support compliant and responsible research while engaging with foreign collaborators.
Friday, Sept. 11 | Noon
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Department of Energy Conflict of Interest Changes
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The Department of Energy (DOE) has published new conflict of interest (COI) regulations affecting University researchers who apply for DOE funding. They take effect August 17, 2026, and apply to DOE awards made on or after that date.
The new rule reflects DOE's research-security focus and its efforts to protect DOE-funded research against foreign government interference and misappropriation. It adds conflict of commitment (COC) and organizational conflict of interest (OCI) requirements and new institutional reporting for conflicts involving foreign entities.
The University's Conflict of Interest Policy for Research (RI-01) is being amended to comply, and the COI Division is working with the Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) to update internal procedures.
Most changes will happen behind the scenes, but five directly affect researchers who apply for DOE funding:
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New conflicts must be reported in MyDisclosures within 15 days, down from 30.
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Conflicts are reviewed at proposal rather than at award, so watch deadlines for DOE submissions closely.
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Foreign interests receive heightened scrutiny; the University must report conflicts involving them at the proposal stage.
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A broader set of disclosable conflicts — including conflicts of commitment and foreign relationships — may increase the number of conflict management plans.
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Covered individuals must complete COI/COC training before working on a DOE award and refresher training at least every two years. The research security training you already complete under the CHIPS and Science Act satisfies this requirement, so no separate DOE-specific course is needed.
The COI Division will contact affected researchers with more information. In the meantime, please direct questions to coi@pitt.edu.
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Upcoming Virtual Event
Navigate Pitt’s Research Landscape With Confidence
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Basic Biomedical Researcher Symposium
Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026
8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. | Virtual event
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Whether you are new to biomedical research at Pitt or looking to expand your knowledge of the research enterprise, the Basic Biomedical Researcher Symposium offers an opportunity to connect with the offices that support research success.
Hear brief presentations from the Office of Research Protections, the Office of Sponsored Programs, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and other key partners. Topics will include animal research, biosafety, research security, data sharing, conflict of interest and more.
Faculty, staff and trainees are welcome.
See this page for information about the agenda and speakers.
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The University of Pittsburgh Human Research Protection Program will welcome site reviewers from the Association for the Accreditation of Human Research Protection Programs (AAHRPP) on August 4–5 as part of the University’s reaccreditation process.
Accredited by AAHRPP since 2005, Pitt’s Human Research Protection Program has demonstrated its ongoing commitment to the highest standards of ethical research and the protection of human research participants. AAHRPP accreditation is considered the gold standard for organizations conducting human subjects research and recognizes programs that go beyond regulatory compliance to promote excellence in participant protections.
During the site visit, reviewers will evaluate program documentation and meet with Human Research Protection staff, researchers, Institutional Review Board (IRB) members, and University leadership to assess the program and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
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As a reminder, the University of Pittsburgh IRB oversees all human subjects research conducted by Pitt faculty, staff, and students in their institutional roles. Submission to the Pitt IRB is required regardless of the funding source or where the research will be conducted. This requirement is based on HRP policy and the University's Federalwide Assurance. If you have questions about whether your project requires IRB review, please contact our office at askirb@pitt.edu.
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Annual Disclosures were due April 15. Employees who are required to disclose continue to receive weekly MyDisclosures email reminders until their disclosure is completed. If you have not yet submitted your disclosure, please do so as soon as possible. Supervisor reviews were due June 15.
Review disclosure requirements, training videos, step-by-step instructions and supervisor guidance on our website.
As a reminder, investigators conducting University research must also disclose financial interests related to MyRA, ARO and PittPro submissions. Examples include:
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An investigator consults for a company while conducting University research sponsored by that company. The investigator must disclose the financial interest when the sponsored research agreement is initiated in MyRA.
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An investigator establishes a start-up company and conducts University animal research evaluating technology licensed from the University. The investigator must disclose the financial interest in the IACUC protocol.
Questions? Contact the Conflict of Interest Division
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