Research Compliance at the University of Massachusetts Amherst
Mission:
The Office of Research Compliance (ORC) is dedicated to fostering a culture of integrity, accountability, and excellence in research. Working in partnership with the greater university community we strive to ensure that all research activities adhere to ethical standards, regulatory requirements, and institutional policies. Through education, guidance, and oversight, we support the responsible conduct of research that advances scientific knowledge while safeguarding the rights, safety and welfare of all involved. We are committed to the promotion of compliance as a cornerstone of innovation, collaboration, and public trust in the research enterprise.
Vision:
ORC envisions a dynamic and collaborative research environment where efficiency, transparency, and ethical practices are seamlessly integrated across the research lifecycle. We aspire to be a trusted partner in advancing innovation by fostering open communication, streamlining compliance processes, and building strong partnerships with researchers and stakeholders. Through our efforts, we aim to set the standard for compliance excellence; empowering researchers to achieve breakthroughs that inspire confidence and public trust in the scientific enterprise.
Leadership:
The Office of Research Compliance, including all the units listed below, is under the leadership of Karen Moré, Assistant Vice Chancellor, Research Compliance and Security.
Each Compliance unit has its own leadership as well. Please reach out to any of the contacts listed below with your Research Compliance-related questions. We are here to help!
Compliance Unit | Contact |
| Animal Care and Use (IACUC) | Alison Miller, Assistant Director (IACUC) |
| Biosafety (IBC) | Mary Young, Research Compliance Analyst |
| Conflicts of Interest | Hilary Reid, COI Compliance Analyst |
| Data Access or Transfer (DUA,DTA) | Karen Moré, Assistant Vice Chancellor, Research Compliance and Security |
| Export Control and Foreign Engagement | Ellie Kurth, Assistant Director (RSRM) |
| Human Research Protections (IRB) | Jorge Guzman, Associate Director (HRPO) |
| Heather Hermann, Director, Research Security and Risk Management (RSRM) |
| Research Misconduct | Karen Moré, Assistant Vice Chancellor, Research Compliance and Security |
| Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research (RECR) | Melinda LeLacheur, Research Compliance Program Coordinator |
Training & Compliance Obligations:
Many areas of Research Compliance have associated online and/or in person Research Compliance Trainingrequirements. The Research Compliance Training Matrix can be used to determine the applicability of each training type and the method in which to complete it.
Disclosures of Conflict of Interest (COI) and Outside Activities (OA):
COI disclosures and OA pre-approval requests are required and submitted through Kuali COI.
Have questions? Don’t know who to contact? Email Melinda LeLacheur, Research Compliance Program Coordinator or our Research Compliance General mailbox.