Human Research Protection Program (HRPP)

Our Human Research Protection Program (HRPP) consists of several components and operates under the auspices of the Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP).

Office for Human Research Protections

The Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP) provides leadership in the protection of the rights, welfare, and well-being of subjects involved in research conducted or supported by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

Federal-wide Assurance (FWA)

Federal-wide Assurance (FWA) is the assurance of Davidson College's compliance with the federal regulations for the protection of human subjects research, which the college renews every five years.  Signing the FWA commits the institution to the terms of the FWA. Without an FWA, Davidson would be unable to receive funding from HHS—National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Human Research Protections Program

There are five components which comprise the College's Human Research Protections Program, with each bearing organizational responsibility.

Institution

The Institution bears full responsibility for all research involving human subjects covered under its FWA, and ensures that the IRB has meeting space and sufficient staff to support the IRB's review and record-keeping duties.

Institutional Review Board (IRB)

The IRB provides independent review of human subjects research, and ensures that the rights and welfare of human subjects are adequately protected.

Institutional Signatory Official

The Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) serves as the Institutional Signatory Official and assures compliance of the institution to the terms of the FWA.

Human Protections Administrator

The Director of the Office of Grants & Contracts serves as the primary contact person for human subjects protection issues.

Investigator

The research project investigator is responsible for protecting the rights and welfare of human research subjects and complying with all applicable provisions of the FWA.