The Office of Research Compliance (ORC) partners with students, faculty, and staff to facilitate the conduct of research that is compliant with federal, state, local and University policies. It functions as the coordinating and administrative hub for the Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) and the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC).

Research projects involving human or animal subjects are subject to federal, state, local and university laws and policies and may not begin without appropriate training and approval. 

The Office of Sponsored Programs oversees training in research ethics and conflict of interest policies, and it assists researchers in meeting the requirements of funding agencies and federal export control laws.

The Office of Research Safety oversees biological safety, laboratory and chemical safety, and radiation/laser safety.

Questions about Material Transfer Agreements can be directed to Technology Commercialization

View The Division of Research & Economic Development

Reporting

Voice your concerns or complaints related to research

Research with Animals 

The Kent State Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) makes sure that research involving the use of animals at the university adheres to the appropriate guidelines and policies. Before beginning research, testing or teaching activities that involve the use of live vertebrate animals, the principal investigator must submit a Request to Use Animals application to the IACUC. Learn more about animal research.

Research with Human Subjects

Before implementing research that involves human subjects, researchers must have their protocol reviewed and approved by a Kent State Institutional Review Board (IRB), which ensure that the rights and welfare of study participants are protected. Learn more about researching with human subjects.

Becoming a Research Subject

When deciding to become a research subject it is important to weigh the risks, discomforts, and benefits associated with a study. This information is clearly describe in the study's consent form. If you are interested in becoming a research subject or would like to learn more about your rights as a research subject, please contact the Office of Research Compliance at researchcompliance@kent.eduFederal Office for Human Research Protections webpage is an excellent resource to learn more about participating in research. You can also register for a ResearchMatch account.    

Hemp Research 

If you are conducting hemp research you must complete this project registry; you are responsible for ensuring that your research is compliant with Ohio Department of Agriculture policy.  

Training

CITI training is available online and provides a broad overview on topics related to animals and human subjects research, occupational health and safety, conflict-of-interest policies, responsible conduct of research, laboratory safety, radiation safety, and biosafety/biosecurity. Learn more about online training opportunities. The study PI is responsible for ensuring project specific training is completed.