Office for Research Protections
July 15, 2024
The Office for Research Protections announces multiple, related structure changes to their leadership and programs. In recent months, the ORP has taken on responsibility for two new programs: the Export Control compliance program has recently been reassigned to the ORP from its previous home in the Office of Ethics and Compliance, and the Conflict of Interest and Commitment program now serves the entire University. Additionally, both Rachel Lally and Clint Schmidt have been promoted to Assistant Vice President for Research.
Export Control Now Part of ORP
The Export Control program has transitioned to the ORP as part of the Research Security Program. “The University has seen a growing number of compliance responsibilities that fit within this program area and giving them one compliance ‘home’ makes good sense for the University,” said Debra Thurley, Associate Vice President and Director of the ORP. A search is underway for an Export Control Officer. Joyce Hansom transferred from the Office of Ethics and Compliance to the ORP and continues to support the Export Control program.
Conflict of Interest Program Serves the University
Marisa Klein, Senior Conflict of Interest (COI) Analyst, has joined the ORP from the College of Medicine. “Leadership at the ORP along with leadership at the College of Medicine identified an opportunity for increasing efficiency and making staff more agile in responding to fluctuations in workloads by integrating the COI program across sites,” said Clint Schmidt, who oversees the program. Previously, the College of Medicine maintained a separate office for managing research-related conflicts under policy RP06; with this change, the Conflict of Interest and Commitment program within the ORP now serves the whole University. While the administration has been streamlined, there will continue to be two COI committees: one serving the College of Medicine and one serving University Park and the Commonwealth campuses.
New Assistant Vice Presidents for Research
In recognition of the growing number of research security responsibilities under his oversight, Clint Schmidt has been promoted to an Assistant Vice President for Research. Clint continues to oversee the Conflict of Interest and Conflict of Commitment programs in addition to Research Security. A search will be held to fill his vacated position so that the Conflict of interest and Commitment programs continue to have director-level management.
Rachel Lally has also been promoted to Assistant Vice President; Rachel’s promotion fills the position vacated by Debra Thurley when she became Director of the ORP in July 2023. In this role, Rachel will oversee the Human Research Protection Program, the Animal Care and Use Program, and the Research Safety Programs. Rachel continues to support the HRPP while a search is underway for an HRPP Executive Director.