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University
Research Ethics Committees
The University of Virginia has two committees assigned responsibility
for investigation of alleged misconduct. Investigation of suspected
research misconduct in the School of Medicine will be conducted
by a permanent Research Ethics Committee of the School of Medicine.
The School of Medicine Research Ethics Committee serves at the request
of the Dean of the School of Medicine as a permanent advisory committee.
The University Research Ethics Committee serves at the request of
the Provost. Its purpose is to investigate allegations of misconduct
committed during the conduct of University research by anyone other
than a member of the School of Medicine.
See also: Research
Ethics
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Record
Keeping (Notebook) Policy
Each investigator should accurately record all research procedures
undertaken, observations made and all results, regardless of whether
its value or import is apparent. These records should be maintained
for at least five years and all data and notebooks resulting from
sponsored research are the property of the University of Virginia.
See also: Recordkeeping
(Notebook)
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Classified
Research Policy
Since restrictions inherent in classified research can compromise
investigators' academic freedom to communicate, the University of
Virginia does not encourage, but does not prohibit its faculty from
engaging in classified research. Classified research must be approved
by the Committee on Classified Research and the Provost. The faculty
member must submit a written description and justification of the
project, its academic merit, and the restrictions on the dissemination
of its results. Each proposal will be considered on its own merits
but the University will not approve contracts if the identity of
the sponsor and the general nature of the research cannot be revealed
to the public.
See also: Classified
Research
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Academic
Freedom
Just as Thomas Jefferson proposed, the University continues to
be based on the "illimitable freedom of the human mind," and
endorses the statement on academic freedom of the Association of
University Professors.
See also: Faculty Handbook
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Policy
on Research Misconduct
" Expressions of concern" involving issues of research
misconduct should be brought to the attention of the Vice President
for Research and Public Service or the Dean of the Medical School
who will determine if the complaint constitutes an "allegation"
of research misconduct. This official will charge a Committee to
conduct an "inquiry" to determine whether the allegation
can be substantiated with sufficient evidence to warrant an "investigation." If
investigation is warranted, this official will charge a Committee
to examine evidence and information collected to determine whether
misconduct has taken place. Necessary University sanctions or disciplinary
action will be taken by the supervising Dean or appropriate senior
academic official. The respondent may take action through normal
grievance procedures.
See also: Research
Misconduct
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Consulting
Policy
Under certain circumstances full-time faculty may receive supplemental
compensation for consulting outside the University or for assuming
internal overload responsibilities outside the faculty member's
normal responsibilities subject to certain limitations. Approval
by the dean, Provost and Comptroller may be required. Faculty are
encouraged to undertake such activities for the Division of Continuing
Education but must receive prior approval in every instance. Primary
responsibility for implementation of and accountability under the
policy shall rest with the Provost, working through the deans of
the schools.
See also: Faculty
Overload Responsibilities For Supplemental Compensation
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Professional
Research Staff
Principal investigators may hire research personnel to assist with
sponsored projects for a period of time for which funding has been
identified. The PI has administrative and supervisory responsibility
for these employees and at no time is the University obliged to
continue employment of research staff should research funding be
reduced or terminated. Job descriptions and hiring procedures as
well as terms and conditions of employment are delineated in this
document. These are similar to but not identical with those applicable
to University employees.
See
also: Professional Research Staff
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