April 2025 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 Requirements for Management of Data from NIH Controlled-Access Repositories
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The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recently introduced two new requirements for data obtained from its Controlled-Access Repositories:
In accordance with these requirements, approved users of NIH Controlled-Access data:
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May continue to develop generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) models using the data so long as the use is approved by NIH, but (1) may not share the model, including model parameters, except with collaborators who are also approved users and (2) may not retain the generative AI model, including model parameters, upon closeout of the project.
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May not transmit the data to countries of concern. These countries include China (including Hong Kong and Macau), Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, and Venezuela.
If you have any questions regarding the management of data from NIH Controlled-Access Repositories, contact the Office of Research Protections at ORP_Support@pitt.edu.
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The NIH just issued a new reminder (NOT-OD-25-098) regarding application requirements for projects involving activities outside the United States or partnerships with international collaborators. Applicants must indicate whether their project includes any such activities. If a foreign component is noted in an application, a “Foreign Justification” attachment is required, detailing the unique resources, expertise, or circumstances that necessitate conducting the work internationally.
Additionally, federal agencies are employing advanced tools to identify undisclosed foreign components of studies they fund. Therefore, it is essential that investigators fully disclose all foreign collaborations to funding agencies—whether known at the time of application or developed during the award period—to ensure compliance with federal requirements.
For more information, please refer to the Foreign Justification Attachment page on the Office of Sponsored Programs website.
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Annual Conflict of Interest Disclosures were due by April 15th. University employees who are required to disclose receive weekly reminders from MyDisclosures while this requirement is pending. If you are required to disclose but have not yet done so, please complete your Annual Disclosure as soon as possible.
The following resources are available:
If you have questions, contact the Office of Research Protections’ Conflict of Interest Division at mydisclosures_support@pitt.edu.
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Honoring Dr. Joseph T. Newsome: 25 Years of Dedicated Service
After 25 years of exceptional service, Dr. Joseph T. Newsome, DVM, DACLAM, is retiring from his role on the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC).
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A pillar of Pitt’s research community, Dr. Newsome has left an enduring legacy through his leadership, innovation, and unwavering commitment to the humane and ethical use of animals in research.
As Attending Veterinarian and Director of DLAR from 2000–2015—and later as Associate Director—Dr. Newsome helped shape a nationally recognized animal care program. He was instrumental in developing Pitt’s Occupational Health and Environmental Health and Safety programs, advancing not only research standards but also the well-being of those working in animal modeling.
His visionary approach led to critical facility upgrades across the University, including over 28 new or renovated enclosures. He also pioneered species-specific enrichment programs and championed high standards in AAALAC accreditation, USDA compliance, and OLAW reviews.
Dr. Newsome’s work supported groundbreaking research across cancer, neuroscience, aging, and infectious disease. As Co-PI on the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center’s CCSG grant and a longtime member of the Cancer Virology Program, his influence extended far beyond the lab.
He has also mentored countless students and professionals, ensuring the next generation carries forward his commitment to excellence in animal research.
Please join us in thanking Dr. Newsome for his extraordinary contributions to the University of Pittsburgh and wishing him well in his well-earned retirement.
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At the University of Pittsburgh, the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) plays a vital role in reviewing all research involving recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid molecules (e.g., studies involving gene editing). Through its oversight, the IBC ensures that this research is conducted responsibly and in accordance with the highest standards of biosafety.
To further promote transparency and public trust in the research process, NIH has announced a new requirement: all IBCs must publicly post minutes from meetings held after June 1, 2025. This effort is intended to provide the research community and the public with greater insight into the biosafety review process and the thoughtful deliberations that guide research oversight.
In accordance with this new requirement, the University’s IBC will post meeting minutes on a dedicated webpage. Minutes will be posted after they are approved by the IBC.
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In accordance with National Security Presidential Memorandum-33 (NSPM-33) and the CHIPS and Science Act, all key personnel listed on federal grants and contracts will be required to complete annual research security training.
At present, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has implemented this requirement, effective May 1, 2025. The University must certify that all key personnel listed on DOE grant submissions have completed the required research security training prior to proposal submission.
A training module that meets federal research security requirements is now available.
Upon completion of the module, you must obtain a certificate, which will serve as official documentation of your training. In the near future, this training will also be integrated into the University of Pittsburgh’s CITI training portal, where completion records will be automatically documented.
The University’s module is a consolidated version of Modules 1–4 developed by the National Science Foundation. Completion is estimated to take approximately 90 minutes.
At this time, the DOE is the only agency actively enforcing this requirement; however, it is anticipated that other federal funding agencies will adopt similar annual training mandates in the near future. We will provide updates as additional agencies implement their own research security training requirements.
For questions or additional information, please contact: ORP_Support@pitt.edu.
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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:
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