Outside Activities (Conflict of Interest)
ARI provides guidance to faculty regarding their outside professional activities to help mitigate potential conflicts of interest and conflicts of commitment. ARI supports the Standing Committee on Conflicts of Interest and Commitment in the interpretation and implementation of the Faculty of Medicine Policy on Conflicts of Interest and Commitment. In addition, ARI coordinates the annual faculty outside activity reporting process for all HMS and HSDM faculty and oversees the conflict of interest review for sponsored research projects.
Research Compliance
ARI provides independent oversight of Harvard Medical School's research programs, activities and processes to facilitate compliance. ARI is dedicated to advancing a culture of ethics, integrity and compliance with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations and policies which govern institutions of higher education, as well as University and HMS policies. ARI coordinates and monitors awareness programs, guidance on best practices and responses to allegations of non-compliance. Our commitment to compliance includes the development of general and specific training, policies and appropriate oversight and monitoring to assist members of Harvard Medical School’s community in conducting research activities based upon the highest standards of integrity and excellence through teamwork and professionalism.
Academic Integrity
ARI also takes the administrative lead in responding to any allegation of research misconduct involving an HMS or HSDM faculty member or trainee. In this role, ARI staffs and provides support to the Standing Committee on Faculty Conduct. In accordance with the HMS Principles and Procedures for Dealing with Allegations of Faculty Misconduct, ARI also convenes and provides support to faculty panels appointed to review allegations of research misconduct. ARI also disseminates guidelines for research integrity.
Professional Integrity
ARI is committed to serving the HMS/HSDM community by promoting best practices and standards of professional conduct and supporting grievance processes in accordance with established professional integrity policies, including the Harvard University Non-Discrimination Policy and Anti-Bullying Policy and School-level professional integrity policies. ARI also investigates concerns raised by sponsors or others related to fostering a safe and healthy research environment and collaborates with partner offices to facilitate reporting, as required. In addition to serving as a resource to our community for consultation and questions related to professional integrity, ARI provides administrative support to the Standing Committee on Rights and Responsibilities in fulfilling its charge, as detailed here.
Designated ARI staff also serve as Title IX Resource Coordinators for faculty and help HMS community members make informed decisions about options and navigate available supports under the University’s Title IX and Sexual Misconduct policies.