Compliance Committees

Institutional Review Board (IRB)

The National Research Act of 1974 required all institutions that conduct research with human subjects and accept federal funding, to create committees called Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) to review such research. The IRB is charged with the responsibility of approving only those protocols that meet the requirements of the federal regulations for the protection of human subjects in research. These regulations embody the principles of the Belmont Report and have been adopted by most federal agencies that fund research. Pursuant to the Federal-Wide Assurance the University of Connecticut has signed with the federal government, the IRB has the authority to suspend research with human subjects that is not being conducted within the provisions of these regulations, university policies or the approval granted by the IRB. [Website]

Institutional Animal care and Use Committee (IACUC)

Pursuant to federal legislation, the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) is authorized to establish policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and professional standards pertaining to the use and care of animals in research and teaching. The membership, responsibilities and authority of the IACUC is detailed in the Animal Welfare Act and the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. The IACUC has the authority to suspend any activity involving animals that is not being conducted within provisions of applicable regulations or campus policy. [Website]

Embryonic Stem Cell Research Oversight Committee (ESCRO)

The University of Connecticut's Embryonic Stem Cell Research Oversight Committee provides oversight of all ethical issues related to the derivation and research use of human stem cell lines at all schools, colleges, campuses, and research arms of the University of Connecticut regardless of the source of funding. It reviews all proposals submitted by University investigators for funds from the Connecticut Stem Cell Research Grant Project. The ESCRO committee ensures that sensitive research is well-justified and that inappropriate research is not conducted. Review by the ESCRO Committee supplements but does not replace the usual reviews for compliance with federal, state, and local regulations (e.g. reviews by animal care committees, Institutional Review Boards, Biological Safety Committees, etc.). [Website]

Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC)

Since the federal government places responsibility for the safe conduct of biological research at the local level, the University of Connecticut established an Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) in accordance with NIH guidelines. The IBC reviews research and teaching activities that involve recombinant DNA (rDNA), potentially hazardous biological materials and/or biological toxins. The purpose of the committee’s review is to ensure that the activities comply with government regulations and provide appropriate safeguards for human health and the environment. [Website]

Conflict of Interest (COI) Committee

The Policy on Individual Conflicts of Interest in Research provides guidelines, based on federal regulations, for relationships between the University of Connecticut investigators and private industry, federal and state government, and the nonprofit sector in order to ensure primacy of academic integrity. The Conflict of Interest Committee is the designated body to identify, mitigate, manage or eliminate conflicts. Certain situations may require the creation of a situation specific Management Committee.

Consulting Management Committee (CMC)

As a result of the requirements of Public Act 07-166, the University of Connecticut modified its consulting policies. This Act provides for an exemption from the State Ethics Code for consulting activities for the faculty and other members of the faculty bargaining unit. Specifically, this act requires that the University have procedures that include a process of disclosure; review and management of conflicts; approval by the chief academic officer or his designee; and sanctions for failure to comply with the policy. This process is managed by the Faculty Consulting Office and is advised by the Consulting Management Committee. [Website]

Committee on Alleged Misconduct in Research

The Committee consisting of five senior scientists at the University of Connecticut is appointed by the Vice President for Research. The Committee is convened subsequent to a receipt of allegations of misconduct in the Vice President’s Office.