Research Compliance

Compliance requirements can be complex, challenging, and require considerable time and attention from the Investigator and their research team. In addition, investigators who conduct research outside the United States may encounter regulations and policies different from those that govern research in the U. S. Regulations may differ in human subjects, taxation, employment, real estate, licensing, or other matters. Due to these differences, Harvard researchers must be aware of their responsibilities and comply with all requirements for conducting international research, including securing permits and approvals from the various offices within or outside the university. The University has in place several resources to help faculty, students, other researchers, and administrators with research regulatory requirements.

Offices or Committees within Harvard University that support research:

The office of the Vice Provost of Research provides several resources including but not limited to funding opportunities, research policies and compliance, as well as training. The site also brings together the various offices that oversee research at Harvard. Each office provides researchers and administrators with information including the policies, procedures, and guidance including local contacts.

The Committee on the Use of Human Subjects (CUHS) serves as the Institutional Review Board (IRB) for the University area which includes the Cambridge and Allston campuses at Harvard. The Institutional Review Board (IRB) is responsible for ensuring that research with methods performed on people is done in an ethical and legal manner. This includes doing interviews or surveys.

Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) ensure that the protocols used in research involving animals are consistent with humane care and the use of animals. Unlike many other on-site research projects, field studies may require IACUC evaluation and approval. Consideration is given to many factors including the species being studied, conservation implications, and procedures performed on animals in the field.  

Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) assists laboratory researchers to manage shipments and transportation of dangerous goods, including chemicals, radioactive materials, and biological materials, by ground, air, or sea, to comply with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, International Airline Transportation Association (IATA) guidelines and/or Maritime law.

Office of Technology Development assists Harvard’s researchers in advancing their research while keeping their interests protected. OTD assists researchers in developing and negotiating material transfer agreements (MTAs) and protects researchers’ intellectual property when collaborating with third parties, for incoming materials and outgoing materials.  

Office of Export Control facilitates compliance with international sanctions as well as applicable U.S. laws and regulations pertaining to exports of items, services, and technology. If you have any questions about whether your research, travel, collaborations, or export of any goods and services are subject to export controls, please contact ExportControls@fas.harvard.edu.

Global Support Services (GSS) works with students, faculty, and staff to help on matters of safety and security, outbound visas, employment, finance, taxes, and other operational and administrative considerations abroad. 

Harvard International Office provides information and services for Harvard international students, scholars, and their family members who plan to travel inside and outside the United States during their time at Harvard including assistance with immigration issues (work permits, travel), financial questions, social and cultural differences, and resources at Harvard and in the community. 

The Office of Research Administration (FORA) partners with the business groups to support the systems enabling the University’s sponsored research administration. RAS provides other support to researchers including reviewing and negotiating language for Data Use Agreement (DUA) and assisting with Outside Activity and Interest Reporting. With your Harvard Key, you can visit https://oair.harvard.edu to complete the disclosure process or to access prior reports. You can also view the OAIR Submission Guide on how to submit disclosure reports.

The office for Sponsored Programs (OSP) is responsible for sponsored programs across the entire lifecycle of the award, including pre-award, research finance, and sponsored financial reporting, billing, and collection. 

Risk Management & Audit Services (RMAS) assists University management in identifying, managing, and mitigating risks including those that can be posed by international research. Among other services, RMAS provides a global Mobile/Movable Property & Equipment insurance program for University-owned property and equipment that are not automatically insured when away from Harvard-owned and controlled campus buildings. 

Committee on Microbiological Safety (COMS) reviews and approves research at Harvard University and its affiliates that involves COMS-Regulated Materials.