Research Regulatory Affairs
Office of Research Regulatory Affairs (ORRA)
ORRA offers comprehensive oversight, resources, and educational initiatives pertaining to integrity and compliance issues associated with research conduct at WesternU. Our objective is to foster excellence in research while maintaining adherence to federal and state regulations. The office bears oversight and responsibility for all research oversight committees, provides education and training to researchers concerning research integrity and compliance, manages disclosed conflicts of interest in research, and addresses allegations of research misconduct.
These committees promote responsible, compliant, and innovative research.
- IACUC: Oversees humane animal care, reviews protocols, and enforces standards.
- IRB: Protects human subjects, reviews protocols, and ensures ethical compliance.
- IBC: Assesses research with biological materials, ensures safety and regulatory compliance.
- DURC Committee: Evaluates high-risk research, implements risk mitigation, and monitors policies.
- RSC: Oversees radioactive materials use and maintains safety protocols.
- SCROC: Ensures ethical stem cell research, reviews protocols involving human or embryonic materials.
- RCOIC: Manages conflicts of interest in research
The Office of Research Regulatory Affairs ensures that the operation of these committees and the research that they oversee is conducted according to all applicable local, state and federal guidelines and regulations.
Responsibilities of the Office of Research Regulatory Affairs include, but are not limited to:
- Ensuring that each committee is properly constituted.
- Registering committees with state and federal governments as required.
- Maintaining the necessary licenses and permits in current status.
- Liaison role between the university and federal or state auditors.
- Ensuring that training programs are in place and are implemented and monitored by the respective committees.
- Submitting reports to government agencies as required.
- Oversees investigations concerning noncompliance or scientific misconduct.
- Reviewing and managing disclosed conflicts of interest in research.
- Development and management of written policies and procedures.
- Updating the information and resources on the Research website.
- Management of daily operations and the facilitation of review and approval processes for research protocols submitted to each research regulatory oversight committee.
- Provides consultation services to students, faculty, and staff engaged in research.
Research Committees
Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee
Biosafety
Radiation Safety
Institutional Review Board
Conflict of Interest
Stem Cell Research
ORRA Staff
Office of Research Regulatory Affairs
Director of Research Regulatory Affairs and Compliance
Office of Research Regulatory Affairs / Department of Animal Care
Manager of Research and Animal Care Operations
Contact the office of research regulatory affairs
Office Hours
8:00AM – 5:00PM, Monday-Friday
Mailing Address
Western University of Health Sciences
Office of Research Regulatory Affairs
309 East Second Street
Pomona, CA 91766-1854