Researchers Checklists, Policies and Manuals, and Other Resources

Researchers Checklists

• Fieldwork or International Research Compliance _Researchers Check list_8.31.2023.pdf
• Biohazardous Materials and/or Select Agents 
• Research materials domestic shipping flowchart 
• Research materials international shipping flowchart 
• Biological material shipping classification table 
• Transport of Biological Materials, Infectious Substances and Dry Ice 
• Research Material Shipment & Transport Manual 
• EH&S First Aid Fact Sheet 
• International Shipping Checklist
• OEB Permitting Checklist
• Trip Planning Checklist
• General Security & Best Practices Guidance While Traveling Abroad Checklist
• Common Activities, Hazards, and Precautions Checklist

Policies and Procedures Guiding Research 

• https://research.harvard.edu/2021/04/19/export-controls-policies-and-procedures/ 
• Research Integrity Policy 
• Intellectual Property Policy 
• Retention of Research Data and Materials 
• Policy on Publications 
• Openness in Research policy 
• Unmanned aerial vehicles policy 

Operational and Financial Compliance Policies 

• Conflict of interest policy 
• Travel policy 
• Travel and expense reporting policy 
• Business Expense Reimbursements Policy
• Sponsored Travel Guidance 
• Procurement Policy 
• Capital Equipment 
• On-Campus and Off-Campus Indirect Cost Rates Policy on Federal Sponsored Awards 
• Gift vs. Sponsored Research Policy
• International Collaborations and Activities 

More policy and guidance on research compliance and sponsored program management can be found through theses links: https://research.harvard.edu/research-policies-compliance/, and here https://osp.finance.harvard.edu/policies-and-guidance 

Human Resources (HR) Policies 

When hiring researchers or fellows to conduct or manage research based outside the United States for more than six months, you need to consider the immigration, tax, and employment laws of the host country. Since the regular Harvard payroll is not set up to account for these differences, the University cannot directly employ those working in foreign locations, per the Interim University payroll policy. Consult Harvard Global Support Services for guidance and international hiring options.  

For information related to research appointments, please check this link: https://academic-appointments.fas.harvard.edu/. More HR related policies can be found here.

Other Resources:

Travel and Safety Related Resources

• Harvard Travel Services https://travel.harvard.edu/home  This site provides information related to booking tickets, resources for international travel, travel policy, travel reimbursement guidance, and more resources.
• International SOS: http://www.internationalsos.com/  The International SOS website provides guidance on medical emergency response & referral and Security alerts.
• Payroll and Travel Resources for Faculty and Staff: https://oc.finance.harvard.edu/pages/for-faculty-and-staff This site includes guidance related to hiring and payroll deductions as well as travel reimbursement resources. 
• The State Department’s website for Americans abroad: http://travel.state.gov   The State Department’s website offers various travel tips and guidance related to visa and registration to receive alerts and to ensure you can be located in an emergency. 
• Safety Abroad: A handbook from the Center for Global Education: www.studentsabroad.com  StudentsAbroad.com is a resource for students at all colleges and universities around the world contemplating studying abroad. It provides insight on the importance of health and safety awareness for each country specifically.
• For quick currency conversions: www.oanda.com/convert/classic  OANDA’s Currency Converter allows you to check the latest foreign exchange average bid/ask rates and convert all major world currencies.
• A resource for setting up absentee balloting for the U.S. federal election, regardless of where you are: www.fvap.gov  The Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) works to ensure overseas citizens are aware of their right to vote and have the tools and resources to successfully do so - from anywhere in the world.

Health-Related Resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel  The site educates travelers on health issues at the destination country, including diseases and required vaccines.
• World Health Organization (WHO): www.who.int WHO provides the latest information on confirmed acute public health events and disease outbreaks.
• Global Disease Alert Map: www.healthmap.org  HealthMap alerts the community to the outbreaks
• The Disease Daily https://www.diseasedaily.org/about/  The Disease Daily has access to real-time reporting of infectious disease events all over the world.