3.   Regulations

Project Design &   
Methodology   

This image of human epidermal cells treated with staining labels is provided by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, one of the many sponsors of biomedical research at Stanford. This type of work illustrates the tremendous potential of basic research. It also illustrates one aspect of research, i.e., the use of human subjects, where the regulatory environment is critically important.

This page introduces three areas where regulations and external requirements affect the design and conduct of research:

1. Research/teaching methods, including the use of human subjects, laboratory animals, biohazardous agents, recombinant DNA or radiological hazards
2. Other safety issues
3. Scientific integrity.

• human subjects, in either medical or non-medical research
• laboratory animals
• radiation hazards
• biohazardous agents

Appointed by the Dean of Research, these Panels meet regularly to review proposed research plans, to assure compliance with federal, state and local regulation of research and teaching activities.

Schedule of
Administrative Panel
Meetings

Anyone, including students, planning a Stanford activity involving any of these,

• whether funded by an external sponsor or not, and
• whether the project is conducted at Stanford or not

must file a protocol for approval by the appropriate Panel.

2. OTHER SAFETY ISSUES

In addition to issues controlled by the Panels, much of the research carried out at Stanford involves equipment, chemicals or other materials which can be dangerous if not handled properly.

Stanford's program to assure a safe environment includes training, reporting, inspections, corrective actions and record-keeping. This program is managed by the Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) Office at Stanford.

Health & Safety
at Stanford:
General Information

3. SCIENTIFIC OBJECTIVITY AND INTEGRITY

Any activities that could compromise the integrity of research results are, of course, prohibited at Stanford. Stanford complies fully with requirements related to the reporting and investigation of alleged fabrication, falsification, plagiarism or other scientific misconduct.

Conflicts of interest can also compromise research objectivity. Conflicts can arise whenever someone's personal or financial interests appear to be in conflict with the goals of the University. While Stanford's role in the genesis of many successful new companies is evidence of strong belief in technology transfer, it is also fertile ground for potential conflicts. Issues related to patents and copyrights, equity and "start-up" companies, and faculty consulting can all complicate the administration of research projects at Stanford.

At Stanford, faculty must disclose their outside interests annually to their School Dean. When seeking funding for their work, they must also disclose any potential conflicts related to that funding. These are managed by the Deans of each of the Schools (see policy).

Both the Public Health Service (PHS, which includes the National Institutes of Health) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) have their own regulations regarding the disclosure of potential conflicts related to work which is proposed for their funding.

On Being A Scientist
(National Academy
of Sciences)

The topic of conflicts of interest overlaps the discussion of project funding, the next subject in this overview.