Research Integrity, Compliance, & Ethics
Mission
The Research Integrity, Compliance, and Ethics (RICE) unit's mission is to uphold integrity in research, ensure compliance with relevant laws and policies, and promote the highest ethical standards in research conducted by SPH-affiliated investigators. RICE aims to enhance understanding and implementation of research integrity, compliance, and ethics within SPH through various means such as information dissemination, training workshops, and seminars. Additionally, RICE continually develops new tools and strategies to ensure compliance in ongoing research.
The unit manages the ethics and compliance functions at GWSPH for GW and is crucial in establishing regulatory and ethics-related processes at GWSPH. It assesses all research-related standard operating procedures, works to reinforce responsible research conduct, and enhances the internal capacity for ethics review within GWSPH.
The RICE Unit oversees student projects, including coordinating the submission portal.
For any questions or additional information, please email GWSPHResearch
gwu [dot] edu (GWSPHResearch[at]gwu[dot]edu).
RICE Initiatives
Policies & Guidance
SUPPORT FOR RESEARCHERS' RESEARCH ACTIVITIES
GW UNIVERSITY POLICIES
The following categories include relevant GW University policies that impact research. Policies are categorized by when a researcher may need to reference a policy during the sponsored projects lifecycle. Certain policies may be duplicated as they pertain to multiple phases of the lifecycle.
Pre-Award Policies
The pre-award phase of the sponsored projects lifecycle includes proposal development and submission followed by award negotiation and acceptance.
- Funding
There are currently no GW policies that directly impact research at this early stage in the grant life cycle.
- Proposal Development and Submission
Allegations of Research Misconduct
Categorization of External Funding
Classified Research - GW's stance on conducting classified research
Compliance Regarding Select Agents and Pathogens
Compliance with Laws when Conducting University Activities Overseas
Conflict of Interest for Non-Faculty Employees
Conflicts of Interest & Commitment for Faculty and Investigators
Direct Charging of Administrative Costs Associated with Sponsored Projects
FCOI Supplemental Disclosure Form
Internal Questionnaire Administration
Privacy of Personal Information Policy
Signing of Contracts and Agreements - describes which roles at the university have signing authority
- Award Negotiation & Acceptance
Post-Award Policies
The post-award phase of the sponsored project lifecycle includes award set-up, award administration and management, and award closeout. Issues related to research integrity generally occur during post-award administration, and a separate section is included to address the relevant policies.
- Award Set-Up
Administrative Establishment - allows temporary set up of an award before final execution of award documents
- Award Administration & Management
Allegations of Research Misconduct
Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control
Chemical Hygiene (Laboratory Safety)
Compliance Regarding Select Agents and Pathogens
Compliance with Laws when Conducting University Activities Overseas
Conflict of Interest for Non-Faculty Employees
Cost Sharing on Sponsored Projects
Cost Transfers on Sponsored Projects
Conflicts of Interest & Commitment for Faculty and Investigators
Direct Charging of Administrative Costs Associated with Sponsored Projects
Privacy of Personal Information Policy
Public Access to NIH-Funded Publications
Media - outlines best practices for engaging with the media
Signing of Contracts and Agreements
- Award Closeout
Cost Transfers on Sponsored Projects
Liquidating Funds - disencumbering purchase orders
- Research Integrity
Allegations of Research Misconduct
Compliance with Laws when Conducting University Activities Overseas
Conflict of Interest for Non-Faculty Employees
Conflicts of Interest & Commitment for Faculty and Investigators
GW SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH POLICIES
The following policies are internal to the Milken Institute School of Public Health and may be more specific than the University counterpart.
- SPH Policies
Conduct of Human Subjects Research by Milken Institute SPH Students Without Prior IRB Review
SUPPORT FOR SPH STUDENT RESEARCH ACTIVITIES
The Office of Research Excellence (ORE) oversees student projects to ensure compliance with federal regulations, GWU policies concerning human research protections, and ethical standards. To streamline this process, ORE has developed a portal for SPH students to submit their project proposals for review and clearance. All student projects outside of activities limited to the classroom must be entered into the portal. This includes CE projects, practicum, field lab placements, independent studies, and other projects for school credit. The oversight process enables the Dean's Office of Research Excellence (ORE) to support students' educational journey while ensuring compliance with GWU policies. It helps ORE keep track of our students' great work.
To comply with federal regulations and GWU policies regarding human research protections, SPH students may not begin their projects until they have received a determination by email from ORE that they are approved to do so. To submit project proposals, students should use the Student Project Oversight Portal. ORE has provided a detailed Guidance Document for Faculty Advisors to help students navigate the processes. Additionally, ORE has prepared a Guidance Document for students that offers detailed instructions on preparing and submitting their proposals through the portal. gwu [dot] edu. If you have any questions regarding the oversight of student projects, please contact GWSPHResearchgwu [dot] edu.
To ensure compliance with federal regulations and GWU policies concerning human research protections, you may not begin your project until you have received a determination by email from ORE that you are approved to do so.
Link: Student Project Oversight Portal
Download: Student Guidance Ethics Oversight Document
Download: Faculty Guidance Ethics Oversight Document
Additional Resources:
Link: Student Initiated Research
Download: Student Initiated Research Policy
Questions: GWSPHResearchgwu [dot] edu (GWSPHResearch[at]gwu[dot]edu)