Research Compliance
We serve as Research Compliance Officials for the Galveston campus, working with researchers, departments within Texas A&M University and external stakeholders to ensure the compliance with internal and external rules and regulations in areas such as:
All those involve in research at the University, regardless of job title, who are responsible for the design, conduct, or reporting of research or research activities are required to disclose potential financial conflicts of interest associated with research projects. Texas A&M University at Galveston has the responsibility to identify, manage and reduce or eliminate conflicts of interest that may arise due to financial or other personal interests of the investigator.
Investigators are required to disclose financial interests related to their institutional responsibilities online via Maestro.
You can find a copy of the policy in the link below:
Exports are generally understood as the transport or shipment of materials to another country. Nonetheless, the release of certain controlled information to foreign persons and entities located in the United States is also considered an export (deemed exports). Exports are regulated by several federal agencies, and although most products and results of fundamental research are excluded from export control, some activities may require licensing.
Our office can help researchers in identifying export control rules and regulations, along with, determining if an export license is required for specific equipment or information.
During oversees travel, University employees may inadvertently export materials, equipment or data that can be subject to export control. This is the case of computers, tablets, GPS devices, and other commonly used items or data stored in such elements. Before traveling overseas, University employees are required to identify and disclose the export of equipment to prevent issues arising. The following links will assist you in the process.
Nepotism is considered to be a Financial Conflict of Interest on sponsored research projects due to the Principal Investigator's authority and the ability to assign individuals to research projects on which they will be compensated or have evaluation authority of research results. Individuals serving as Principal Investigators on sponsored projects must disclose any relationships (spouse, child, parent, etc.) when overseeing sponsored research projects. Potential nepotism will be reviewed.
Texas A&M University has established an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) that meets all federal requirements, as defined in the Animal Welfare Act (AWA), the Public Health Service Policy (PHS), and the Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. The IACUC is responsible for the oversight, evaluation, and assurance of compliance for the institution’s animal care and use program and A&M System components as outlined in the PHS Assurance (Texas A&M), AWA, and the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals.
Our office assist faculty in the process of compliance with IACUC requirements.
You can also visit TAMU’s Division of Research for more information.
The Human Research Protection Program (HRPP) is a resource for anyone involved with human subjects research at Texas A&M: potential research participants, current research participants, researchers, administrators or interested community members. In conjunction with the federally mandated Institutional Review Board (IRB), the HSPP works to assure the protection of human research participants and to ensure Texas A&M’s compliance with laws and regulations governing human subjects research. Any human subjects research conducted by Texas A&M faculty, staff or students must be reviewed and approved prior to being initiated. Also, any party wishing to conduct research using Texas A&M employees or students as subjects must secure authorization prior to recruiting participants. For detailed explanations, see University Rule 15.99.01 “Human Subjects in Research”.
Minors (persons under the age of 18) are an important part of our academic, service and research activities. For this reason, Texas A&M University at Galveston considers the involvement of minors an important part of our mission. We are committed to provide a safe and enjoyable environment that not only meets the minimum legal requirements, but also reflects the University's Core Values. Minors participating in any of our Sea Camp activities are covered under this program.
Our office actively works with faculty, staff and the Campus Program for Minors (CPM) to facilitate the minors participating in research activities, including interning in a laboratory during the semester or over the summer. Faculty sponsors should reach out to Patty Gonzalez to develop a CPM plan prior to the minor working on campus. It may take up to 6 months to develop and attain the appropriate approvals.
Texas A&M University at Galveston considers as an important part of the academic process, hosting visitors from other institutions and countries to collaborate on research and scholar activities of mutual interest to be conducted within University facilities.
It is important for the University that these visitors can access our facilities and have the necessary permits to develop their research and activities, along with ensuring compliance with national, local and University regulations.
The Standard Administrative Procedure 15.99.99.M0.01, establishes the process for approval of visitors, whether national or international, as well as, the responsibilities of the visitors and their hosts (faculty and department). An important part of the process includes completing the 5VS form and obtaining required approvals.