December 2021 Newsletter
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Stay up-to-date with the latest news and resources from the Office of Research Protections
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Happy Holidays from ORP!
As 2021 concludes, I am grateful to the 80+ ORP staff members and over 200 faculty volunteers who serve on our committees for their support of ethical and regulation-compliant research at Pitt.
I am also grateful for the collegial interactions we have had with thousands of faculty and staff members and trainees as we supported their work.
We are constantly considering new and improved strategies to facilitate research activities. You are always welcome to provide me feedback on how we are doing and how we can improve.
Thank you for your continued hard work and dedication. I wish you a happy and healthy holiday season!
Bill Yates
Vice Chancellor for Research Protections
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Each year, certain Pitt personnel are asked to complete a disclosure form through the University’s electronic disclosure system, MyDisclosures.
We are already preparing for the 2022 annual disclosure period, which is scheduled for March 15 - April 15, 2022.
We have analyzed feedback from the 2021 rollout, and we are revising the form to clarify questions that were not clear to some disclosers.
We are also working with schools and departments to confirm that all individuals who are required to complete a disclosure form are listed as mandatory disclosers.
For information about who is required to complete a conflict disclosure form, or general information about the MyDisclosures system, please visit the COI Division website.
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Pitt's Radiation Safety Office assures that radioisotopes and radiation-emitting equipment are used on campus safely and in accordance with Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) regulations.
One NRC requirement is that workers be monitored for exposure to ionizing radiation if they are likely to exceed 10% of the applicable dose limit, through a process called dosimetry.
The Radiation Safety Office has recently performed a thorough review of our dosimetry program, and will be implementing some changes in the program in 2022.
Individuals whose exposures are monitored in the dosimetry program are reminded to wear their monitoring device (usually a badge) properly, exchange it in a timely manner, notify the Radiation Safety Office of any exposures obtained from other institutions, and report if the device is lost or damaged.
If you have questions about the dosimetry program please send them to radsafe@pitt.edu.
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Earlier this year, the Human Research Protection Reliance team announced requirements for when Pitt IRB serves as the IRB of record for a study conducted at multiple institutions.
Investigators must contact the Reliance Team at least four weeks prior to submitting a grant to arrange for the development of a budget and letter of support. Please see the guidance “Pitt IRB Serves as the IRB of Record” for instructions on the process.
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To meet the growing demand for COVID-19 boosters, the Pitt CoVax Vaccination Center will host two PopUP events for Pitt students, faculty and staff at the Petersen Events Center:
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Thursday, December 16, 2021, from 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
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Wednesday, January 12, 2022, from 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Moderna and Pfizer boosters, first doses and flu shots will be available. Appointments preferred. Register here today! Walk-ins welcome based on unfilled appointments. A shuttle service will operate between Soldiers and Sailors and the Pete. Learn more.
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Need help in assuring 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.
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It's not too late to donate to Pitt's annual United Way campaign. Through this campaign, we strive to directly address our community’s most critical needs. Last year, over 1,900 faculty, staff and retirees donated more than $694,500! We're hoping to exceed that total this year.
To make an online pledge that will support your passions and help families meet basic needs, please go to my.pitt.edu and search for “United Way” or email the Pitt United Way team at pittunitedway@pitt.edu.
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