PLEASE NOTE: The Reseach Compliance section of HCSRA has been updated and this page will be deleted soon -> Click Here
Research Compliance
Quick Guide for Researchers
The Quick Guide for Researchers highlights the top 12 issues surrounding research administration and compliance and provides a brief explanation of each topic, clarifies the researcher’s key responsibilities, and identifies University resources for additional help and information. This guide is intended for all University researchers, and identifies which responsibilities are specific to the Principal Investigator.
Oversight Policies for the PI
Animal Assurances and Approvals
Biohazardous Materials
In keeping with Federal regulations, before a scientific project can begin, the laboratory must be "certified" to work with radioactive materials, recombinant DNA, infectious agents and/or select agents.
- The Office of Biological Safety facilitates the Committee on Microbiological Safety (COMS) is a standing faculty committee that reviews all research involving recombinant DNA as well as work involving biohazards at Harvard and its 16 affiliated institutions.
- Harvard University's Environmental Health and Safety Department (EH&S) is responsible for ensuring University compliance with the laws and policies that apply to Harvard’s overall physical environment, including laboratory safety.
Conflict of Interest Disclosure Statement (COI) (PIN-enabled)
Outside Activities and Interests Reporting (OAIR) (Pin-enabled)
Data Use Agreement (DUA) Guidance
Data Use Agreement (DUA) Guidance
The purpose of this guidance is to set forth the administrative review procedures for the approval and execution of Data Use Agreements at Harvard when Harvard is either the Provider or Recipient.
Data Use Agreements (DUAs) Policy
Data Use Agreements (DUAs) Policy
All DUAs shall be considered research-related agreements and must be reviewed and signed by the Office for Sponsored Programs or the Longwood Area Offices for Research Administration(HMS / HSPH) in accordance with the Delegation of Signing Authority with Regard to Grants and Research Contracts as amended. The signature of an institutional official certifies that commitments made on such agreements can and will be honored and ensures that all DUAs conform to all relevant laws, regulations, agency guidelines, and University policies and guidelines.
Embryonic Stem Cell Research Oversight (ESCRO)
Embryonic Stem Cell Research Oversight (ESCRO)
The Embryonic Stem Cell Research Oversight ("ESCRO") Committee performs ethical and scientific reviews of all research involving the derivation and research use of embryos, human embryonic stem cells and certain activities involving non-embryonic stem cells, human neural stem cells, and human gametes.
Faculty Policies on Integrity in Science
Human Subjects Committee
IACUC Protocol Validation Flowchart
NIH Public Access Policy
Effective May 25, 2008, anyone submitting an application, proposal, or progress report to NIH must include the PubMed Central reference number (PMCID) when citing articles that arise from their NIH funded research.
Subject matter resource: TBD
NIH Updated Requirements for Instruction on RCR
NSF 2010 RCR Requirement
Outside Activity and Interest Reporting (OAIR)
Outside Activities and Interests Reporting (OAIR) system is used for reporting outside professional activities and other relevant interests.
Detailed information and helpful resources are provided in the HCSRA OAIR page.
Retention and Maintenance of Research Records and Data
Retention and Maintenance of Research Records and Data
This link provides guidance for the Retention and Maintenance of Research Records and Data. Research records should be retained, generally, for a period of no fewer than seven (7) years after the end of a research project or activity; for specific guidance on how long to retain different types of records or to obtain assistance with handling records that have met their mandated retention periods, contact Archives and Records Management.
Research Data Management @Harvard
Research Data Management @Harvard
This website provides information and resources on the data lifecycle, policies, resources and contacts to help you manage your research.
Statement of Policy in Regard Intellectual Property
Statement of Policy in Regard to Intellectual Property
Adopted by the President and Fellows of Harvard College on November 3, 1975 as the “Statement of Policy in Regard to Inventions, Patents, and Copyrights” and amended on March 17, 1986, February 9, 1998 and August 10, 1998. Further amended, restated and renamed on February 4, 2008 and amended on October 4, 2010 and December 12, 2013. The policy is overseen by the Harvard University, Office of Technology and Development.
Research Oversight Classes
Financial Oversight of Sponsored Funding - What Researchers Need to Know (online)
Financial Oversight of Sponsored Funding - What Researchers Need to Know/ (online)
This course discusses aspects of compliance related to spending sponsored funds, and highlights areas of oversight that can be challenging for researchers.
NIH All About Grants Podcasts
The Office of Extramural Research (OER) talks to NIH staff members about the ins and outs of NIH funding. These podcasts are designed for investigators, fellows, students, research administrators, and others just curious about the application and award process, the NIH provides insight on grant topics from those who live and breathe the information. Episodes are available as mp3s for download here, via iTunes, or via RSS feed.
Research Oversight Systems
Conflict of Interest Disclosure Statement (COI) (PIN-enabled)
Outside Activities and Interests Reporting (OAIR) (Pin-enabled)
ESTR
ESTR is the Electronic Submission Tracking & Reporting system for Harvard Institutional Review Boards (IRBs). This system:
- Automates the IRB submission and review processes;
- Is a place to store and access submission documents and meeting documentation; and
- Allows for easier reporting for business process and regulatory purposes.
Outside Activity and Interest Reporting (OAIR)
Outside Activities and Interests Reporting (OAIR) system is used for reporting outside professional activities and other relevant interests.
Detailed information and helpful resources are provided in the HCSRA OAIR page.
Participation Agreement for Research Performed at Harvard
Participation Agreements for Research Performed at Harvard Individuals who perform research at Harvard and/or who may create intellectual property through the use of Harvard resources are subject to certain University policies and, in some cases, to the terms of agreements between Harvard and third parties. Such policies cover, the ethical conduct of research, publication of research results, retention of research records and the University’s “Statement of Policy in Regard to Intellectual Property” which governs patentable inventions, copyrightable works and tangible materials made through the use of funds, facilities or other resources provided by or through Harvard.
Research Computing
Harvard Chan School's Research Computing Committee has created a Research Computing webpage to help School researchers navigate computing resources and requirements.
International Projects
Managing international research projects can present unique challenges. Here are some helpful resources important resources.
International Projects Resources
Harvard Global Support Services
Harvard Global Support Services provides students, faculty, and staff with resources related to safety and security, health, culture, outbound immigration, employment, financial and legal matters, and research center operations. We’re a full-service team committed to minimizing risk and managing complexity, so that you can feel confident about your international travel and activities.
International Research Project Planning Guide
International Research Project Planning Guide
This resource provides faculty and administrators with clear, simple guideposts for international projects, including the policies, guides and contacts at Harvard to learn more.
Wire Transfer Authorization Form - Domestic
Wire Transfer Authorization Form - Domestic (Make a payment using electronically transferred funds (US Dollars only)
Download to your computer to use as a a fillable PDF.
Wire Transfer Authorization Form - Foreign
Wire Transfer Authorization Form - Foreign (Please not this is to pay in Foreign Currency only)
Download to your computer to use as a a fillable PDF.
Harvard Offices
Environmental Health and Safety
Harvard Global Support Services
Harvard Global Support Services provides students, faculty, and staff with resources related to safety and security, health, culture, outbound immigration, employment, financial and legal matters, and research center operations. We’re a full-service team committed to minimizing risk and managing complexity, so that you can feel confident about your international travel and activities.