UA Awarded ‘Gold Seal’ Accreditation for Protecting Research Participants

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The University of Alabama’s safeguards in protecting its research participants exceed federal requirements, according to an independent organization that announced today it is awarding UA full accreditation status.

The Association for the Accreditation of Human Research Protection Programs, or AAHRPP, made the announcement at the December meeting of its Council on Accreditation.

“As The University of Alabama positions itself for continued growth in research activities, it’s important we offer the most comprehensive protection available to our human research participants,” said Dr. Joe Benson, vice president for research at UA. “This successful, multi-year accreditation effort demonstrates our commitment to those we work with in our research – including the participants, the community at large and our own researchers.”

Dr. Sharol Jacobson coordinated UA’s accreditation effort. The University of Alabama joins UAB as the only higher education institutions in the state to hold this accreditation.

According to the non-profit accrediting body, AAHRPP uses a voluntary, peer-driven educational model to ensure that human research protection programs meet rigorous standards for quality and protection. To earn accreditation, organizations must provide tangible evidence – through policies, procedures, and practices – of their commitment to scientifically and ethically sound research and to continuous improvement.

The University of Alabama has almost 800 active human research projects under way, said Carpantato Myles, director of UA’s Office for Research Compliance. UA is broadening its research enterprise. Last year, UA’s total contract and grant expenditures were almost $73 million, and research expenditures were more than $39 million.

According to an AAHRPP news release, organizations who earn the organization’s gold seal, symbolizing accreditation approval, demonstrate their “commitment to rigorous standards that help protect research participants while ensuring that society continues to reap the benefits of research.”