What does compliance in research administration primarily involve?

Compliance in research administration primarily involves adhering to federal, state, and institutional regulations. This is crucial because research activities often receive funding from government agencies or institutions that have established specific legal frameworks and guidelines to ensure ethical practices, protect human subjects, safeguard intellectual property, and maintain the integrity of the research process.

Adhering to these regulations helps ensure that research is conducted responsibly, ethically, and transparently, which is vital for securing funding, maintaining public trust, and avoiding legal issues. Compliance also ensures that researchers and their institutions are prepared for audits and reviews by funding agencies, which can ask for documentation and evidence of compliance with these regulations.

Although other aspects like institutional guidelines and understanding funding agencies are important, they largely fall under the broader umbrella of compliance and governance, which is centered on regulatory adherence.