The Case Western Reserve University Human Research Protection Program (HRPP) recently received a five-year renewal of its full accreditation status from the Association for the Accreditation of Human Research Protection Programs (AAHRPP), an independent, non-profit accrediting body.
AAHRPP, seen as the gold-standard of HRPP accreditation, serves to ensure “ethically sound and scientifically valuable research through the accreditation of high-quality human research protection programs.”
Originally accredited in 2016 with a renewal in 2019, CWRU’s re-accreditation is critically important to the university’s ability to receive federal and non-federal funding, collaborate with other AAHRPP-accredited national and international organizations, and act as the Institutional Review Board (IRB) of Record for multi-site studies.
AAHRPP’s accreditation process requires tangible evidence (including policies, procedures and practice) to show that an organization is committed to scientifically and ethically sound research and to continuous improvement.
“Full AAHRPP accreditation is an important benchmark and recognition for our IRB and broader HRPP,” said Michael Oakes, senior vice president for research and technology management. “Protecting human research subjects is paramount to our success and responsibility. All study researchers and staff, and all administrators, play vital roles in the effort. Everyone must ensure not only a culture of compliance, but a culture of ethical action in pursuit of excellence.”
The CWRU HRPP, overseen by Kim Volarcik, is responsible for monitoring the rights and welfare of CWRU research participants, while ensuring the university’s commitment to excellence in research. The CWRU HRPP is comprised of multiple departments and committees that collaborate with the CWRU IRB, including: the IRB Advisory Committee (IAC), made up of representatives of CWRU and its affiliated hospital IRBs; Conflict of Interests (COI) Committee; Quality Improvement Program (QIP); and the Continuing Research Education Credit (CREC) Program.
Additionally, the CWRU HRPP works closely with the Office of Pre-Award Services and Agreements, the Office of Post-Award Services and Financial Compliance, the Office of Research and Technology Management and the Office of General Counsel. As such, AAHRPP accreditation is essential to the continued growth and success of the entire CWRU HRPP endeavor.
Learn more about the CWRU HRPP or review the HRPP Manual.