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Research Integrity and Compliance

Vanderbilt University’s Office of Research Integrity and Compliance helps faculty, students, and staff meet regulatory, legal, and ethical obligations that accompany research. It coordinates with offices across Vanderbilt University to prepare for new regulations and serve as a central resource for research compliance questions. Additional information and resources can be found at the Research Integrity and Compliance website. Additional information on other teams on campus working to promote research integrity and compliance can be found at the Compliance Partners website.

 

This reporting system is for activities and concerns related to Vanderbilt University. Should you wish to report an incident related to Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) or one of its clinics or hospitals, report to VUMC’s IntegrityLine (hotline), which can be found on the VUMC Healthcare Compliance and Integrity website.

 

For more information on how to report Research Integrity and Compliance issues at Vanderbilt University, please follow the instructions below.

 

 

Ways to Report Issues Related to Research Integrity and Compliance

  • File a Report Related to Export Controls with Vanderbilt University's Office of Research Integrity and Compliance

    Export Controls are US Government laws and regulations that control or restrict the release of critical technologies, information, and services to foreign nationals – inside and outside of the United States – and foreign countries for reasons of foreign policy and national security. Vanderbilt University is a teaching and research environment dedicated to openness and the free exchange of fundamental research. However, the University recognizes that certain activities may be subject to federal export controls and, therefore, is committed to complying with US laws and regulations. Vanderbilt’s Export Compliance office is dedicated to providing assistance and resources for all of the University’s export control-related activities.

    For more information on Vanderbilt University Export Compliance, click here.

    To report export compliance issues, email: vec@vanderbilt.edu

  • File a Report Related to Human Research Protections with the Vanderbilt University Office of Research Integrity and Compliance

    The VU Human Research Protections Program Institutional Review Board (IRB) oversees the Social, Behavioral, and Educational Research (SBER) conducted at the university.

    The Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) IRB oversees VU's biomedical and clinical research.

    For more information on the Vanderbilt University Human Research Protections Program and Internal Review Board (IRB), click here.

    To report VU Human Research Protections Program and SBER IRB issues, email: irb@vanderbilt.edu 

  • File a Report Related to Research Security with Vanderbilt University's Office of Research Integrity and Compliance

    Research security is a relatively new term that covers a wide range of federal initiatives meant to protect academic research from being misappropriated to the detriment of national security. These initiatives have been enumerated in National Security Presidential Memorandum 33 (NSPM -33), subsequent guidance from the Office of Science and Technology Policy in 2024, and the CHIPS and Science Act (also known as CHIPS). NSPM-33 and CHIPS require universities, including Vanderbilt, to take active measures to safeguard research. These initiatives have led to the creation of new rules and a closer review of international collaborations that may affect your work. Please follow the links to the right for more information, tools, and best practices to help manage these new research security requirements and expectations.

    To find more information on how to navigate research security rules that accompany international collaboration, click here. 

    To report any research security issues, email: ric@vanderbilt.edu

  • File a Report Related to Research Misconduct with the Relevant Dean

    At Vanderbilt University, the Deans of the schools are responsible for assuring that the University’s and VUMC’s standards for faculty conduct are observed. This includes alleged misconduct in research. 

    The University defines misconduct by individuals involved in research or research training as:

    1) falsification, fabrication, or theft of data or samples;

    2) plagiarism;

    3) unauthorized use of privileged information;

    4) abuse of authorship; or

    5) significant failure to comply with federal, state, University, as or Vanderbilt University Medical Center rules governing research (or with appropriate professional or international rules when research is conducted outside the United States): examples include rules involving human subjects, animals, recombinant DNA, new drugs, new devices, radioactive materials, and preservation of antiquities and natural resources.

    Any allegation of misconduct can be brought in written form to the attention of the Dean of the relevant school, who, in turn, will notify the Provost of the existence of the allegations. A list of the Vanderbilt University Deans can be found here. The Dean will then follow the procedures outlined in the "Disciplinary Actions" chapter of the Faculty Manual or the Vanderbilt University Policy On Research Misconduct.

  • File a Report with Vanderbilt University's Compliance Helpline (RealResponse)

    RealResponse is a secure reporting system that supports real-time, anonymous communication via the RealResponse web platform, text message, WhatsApp, or email. Vanderbilt's University Compliance Services Team uses RealResponse so individuals can submit concerns and receive follow‑up information or resources while keeping their identity protected, if they choose.

    Reports may be submitted anonymously or confidentially.

    • Anonymous Report: includes no identifying information and cannot be traced to the reporter.
    • Confidential Report: includes the reporter’s identity, which is protected but may be disclosed when required by law, to address health or safety concerns, or to comply with obligations such as Title IX or the Clery Act. Please consider these limits when choosing a reporting option.

    Do not use this system to report emergencies or situations posing an immediate threat to life or property. Reports submitted here may not receive an immediate response. For emergency assistance, contact local authorities. This reporting system is for activities and concerns related to Vanderbilt University. Should you wish to report an incident related to Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) or one of its clinics or hospitals, report to VUMC’s IntegrityLine (hotline), which can be found on the VUMC Healthcare Compliance and Integrity website.

    Vanderbilt University reviews every report and takes appropriate action. Providing as much detail as possible helps support a thorough review. In most cases, findings and any resulting actions must remain confidential and cannot be shared with the reporter.

    Submit an online report with RealResponse: