Compliance and Integrity

The University of Toledo is committed to fostering a culture of integrity, accountability, and responsible research across all disciplines. Compliance and Integrity programs support faculty, staff, and students in meeting federal, state, and institutional requirements while upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct in research, scholarship, and sponsored activities.

About

UToledo’s compliance framework provides guidance, training, and oversight in key areas such as conflict of interest, responsible conduct of research, human subjects protections, animal care and use, biosafety, and research security. These programs are designed to ensure that research is conducted responsibly, that regulatory obligations are met, and that the University maintains public trust in its research enterprise.

Through education, policy development, and review processes, UToledo helps researchers identify and manage potential risks, promote transparency, and maintain objectivity in their work. Investigators are encouraged to familiarize themselves with applicable requirements and to proactively engage with compliance resources to ensure their activities align with institutional expectations and sponsor requirements.

By promoting ethical practices and regulatory compliance, the University of Toledo supports a research environment that advances knowledge, protects participants and stakeholders, and reinforces the integrity of the research process.

Resources

Conflict of Interest (COI)

COI Training ensures that UToledo faculty, staff, and student researchers understand their responsibilities for identifying, disclosing, and managing external financial interests in research, in accordance with institutional and sponsor requirements.

Controlled Substances and Dangerous Drugs

Controlled Substance and Dangerous Drugs

Research Compliance provides oversight and guidance for research involving controlled substances and other dangerous drugs to ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations. Researchers are supported in meeting licensing, storage, security, recordkeeping, and reporting requirements associated with these materials.

Export Control

The Export Control Office provides independent oversight into the University of Toledo's activities and programs. It works to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local, laws and regulations, as well as University policies regarding export control. The office was established to continue the University's commitment to adhering to the highest standards of ethics, integrity and responsibility.

Human Subjects Research - IRB

A university-wide system that ensures research involving human participants is conducted ethically, safely, and in compliance with regulations. The program supports the UToledo Institutional Review Boards (IRBs), provides education and resources for faculty, staff, and student researchers, develops and implements policies for the protection of human subjects, and ensures adherence to applicable laws, regulations, and ethical standards while addressing the needs of investigators.

Jacobson Center for Clinical and Translational Research (JCCTR)

The JCCTR provides comprehensive support for faculty conducting clinical and translational studies, including assistance with study design, biostatistics, regulatory compliance, budgeting, and clinical trial operations. Faculty should engage JCCTR when their research involves human subjects, clinical trials, or translational activitites that require coordination, compliance, or methodological support beyond IRB review.

Institutional Animal Care Program - IACUC

The Animal Care and Use Program supports the UToledo Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), which provides oversight of the ethical and humane use of animals in research, teaching and testing, and ensures compliance with federal regulations, institutional policies, and ethical standards governing humane animal care and use.

Laboratory Animal Resources (DLAR)

Provides comprehensive veterinary care, animal housing, and research support services to investigators using animal models. The department partners with researchers to ensure high standards of animal welfare and regulatory compliance.

Research Integrity

Provides guidance to help researchers meet regulatory requirements and uphold high standards of research integrity, including definitions, reporting procedures, and expectations for responsible conduct of research.

Research Safety - IBC

Biosafety Program - IBC

The Biosafety Program supports the UToledo Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) to promote safe laboratory practices and protecting personnel, the public, and the environment. It develops and implements policies and regulatory guidance for research involving biohazardous materials, recombinant or synthetic nucleic acids, and select agents to ensure safety and compliance.

IBC Subcommittees

Dual Use Research of Concern Committee
Human STEM Cell Research Oversight Committee

Environmental Health and Radiation Safety (EHRS)

Environmental Health and Radiation Safety (EHRS) programs help ensure a safe and compliant environment by managing risks associated with hazardous materials, laboratory activities, and radiation use, while protecting researchers, staff, and the broader community.

Research Security

Safeguards the research enterprise - including data, intellectual property, and funding - from risks such as misuse, theft, or undue foreign influence, helping protect national and economic interests while maintaining the integrity of research.

Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR)

Establishes the standards, rights, and responsibilities for ethical research and scholarship, including proper collection, use, and management of research data and adherence to institutional and regulatory requirements.

Research and Innovation

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