Promoting best practices and regulatory compliance in
USF Health research

The mission of the Office of Research Compliance is to facilitate research regulatory compliance at USF Health and to support an environment that promotes the ethical and responsible conduct of research. Compliance with federal, state and institutional requirements assures human subject safety, scientific integrity and the value of University research to society. To this end, our office endeavors to:

• Provide guidance and support to the USF Health community in the application of regulations, processes, policies and procedures governing the conduct of research;
• Promote a culture of compliance and integrity at USF Health by making information and resources available to investigators, research staff and administrators on the responsible conduct of research;
• Serve as a liaison between USF Health employees and University research oversight committees, boards and offices responsible for specific components of research compliance;
• Provide oversight and direction for the USF Health Conflict of Interest Program, which reviews disclosures of financial interest and relationships that may affect research conducted by USF Health employees and investigators conducting human subjects research;
• Coordinate with other responsible University oversight committees, boards and offices in developing and implementing policies, procedures, and programs to satisfy federal, state and institutional regulations governing the conduct of research.
• Develop and implement effective educational activities for the USF Health community that enhance responsible conduct and integrity in scientific research.
• Support the University's value of "transparent accountability together with timely and effective communication" in the research context.

I invite you to learn more about the Office of Research Compliance and the guidance available to investigators and others involved in the research enterprise by browsing this web site, sending me an email ( cmcwhirt@health.usf.edu ) or calling my office at (813) 974-6676. We are available to assist you with navigating the complex regulatory environment and to provide leadership and direction to the USF Health community on issues relating to research compliance.

Sincerely,