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Research Compliance Office

Mass General Brigham is committed to conducting research to the highest standards, and meeting all applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations. The Research Compliance office is here to help navigate that regulatory landscape by providing answers to regulatory and compliance questions, regulatory interpretation, education and training, compliance assessments and audits, as well as investigating areas of concern. The Research Compliance program supports all areas of research, regardless of the funding or the nature of the project. We are here to partner with the research community to promote the responsible and ethical conduct of research, collaboration between programs, and a culture of compliance at Mass General Brigham.

Research Misconduct Policy

In compliance with the Office for Research Integrity Mass General Brigham has a Research Misconduct Policy that defines research misconduct, explains the investigatory process, and identifies a Research Integrity Officer for each hospital with a research portfolio. The policy applies to all individuals engaged in research regardless of their role in the research project or funding.
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Misconduct Policy
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Additional Resources

Research Integrity and Reporting a Concern

When instances of scientific research misconduct may arise, it is the responsibility of the research community to report concerns to ensure they are reviewed appropriately.

All allegations can be reported to the Research Integrity Officer (RIO) or the Research Integrity Office . All allegations should be brought forth in good faith. Reporters are protected by the MGB non-retaliation policy.

The RIOs listed below are available to discuss any circumstances that may raise issues regarding the scientific integrity of research at their hospital.

Responsible Conduct of Research Training Program

Principal Investigators, as leaders of scientific projects, are responsible for the scientific integrity of work undertaken in their laboratories and for mentoring staff who work on these projects. Educating staff, fellows, and students in research best practices is the foundation for discouraging scientific misconduct and promoting research integrity.

Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) training is required of students and trainees supported by National Institutes of Health (NIH) institutional training grants, individual fellowships, and career development awards.

RCR training is required of undergraduates, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows with any National Science Foundation (NSF) support.

RCR training is required of all trainees/students, postdoctoral fellows, faculty, and other senior personnel who receive any National Science Foundation (NSF), National Institutes of Health, or National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA-NIFA) funds.

The Mass General Brigham (MGB) RCR Training Program consists of two parts:

  • MGB Seminar – offered in-person/live three times per year
  • Participation in no less than four in-person/live lecture/discussion offerings identified as eligible for RCR credit.

The MGB RCR seminar must be attended within 12-months of the NIH or NSF appointment date or, if a direct award, e.g., an F or K award, as of the award effective date. The lecture component must be completed within 12 months of attendance at the Mass General Brigham RCR seminar.

Instruction in RCR must be undertaken at least once during each career stage, and at a frequency of no less than once every four years. Those individuals with four or more years of training support can meet the additional requirement by attending an MGB RCR Refresher Seminar.

Students, fellows, and career awardees supported by NIH or NSF awards administered by a MGB hospital completing their work at a non-MGB institution should email the MGB Research Compliance Office at rcr@mgb.org .

Upon completion of the program, trainees are required to submit an Attestation Form in RedCap to notify the MGB Research Compliance Office they have fulfilled the RCR training requirements. You should download and retain a PDF copy from RedCap confirming your submission of your attestation as documentation for the NSF/NIH if requested.