ETHICS and COMPLIANCE COMMITTEE

The Ethics and Compliance Committee (ECC) is dedicated to ensure the high standards of ethical behavior in research activities and promote a culture of integrity, transparency and compliance at the Orbeli Institute of Physiology. The ECC oversees work of the Institutional sub-committees on Animal Care and Use, Biohazards and Human subject research.

Key responsibilities:

• Developing, reviewing and updating institutional code of conduct and policies related to research ethics and compliance. These policies serve as guiding principles for employees, outlining expected behavior and standards of conduct
• Monitoring research compliance and ensure that mechanisms are in place for employees to report compliance concerns confidentially and without fear of retaliation
• Advising sub-committees and guiding decision making on ethical issues raised by them
• Providing support to employees facing ethical dilemmas or uncertain situations
• Facilitating training on ethics and compliance to promote awareness, understanding and adherence to ethical standards and legal requirements
• Assessing potential ethical and compliance risks and developing strategies for mitigating these

Ethics and Compliance Committee meet at least once a quarter. Additional ECC meeting can be called in case there are urgent issues to address or per request by the Chair of any sub-committee. Notes from the ECC meetings should be taken by administrative support staff.