Office of Research Compliance and Training

Office of Research Compliance and Training

What we do

Advice and Consultations

We are available to consult and provide advice on many research compliance topics.

Anti-Boycott

U.S. federal regulations prohibit the University or its personnel from agreeing to participate in any international boycott not supported by the U.S. government.

Anti-Corruption

Columbia University policy prohibits the unlawful bribery of government officials or private persons in connection with University activities.

Conflict of Commitment

A conflict of commitment arises if there are competing demands upon the time and energy of an officer as a result of his or her outside activities and interests that would interfere with the officer’s ability to meet his or her responsibilities to the University.

Conflict of Interest

A conflict of interest (COI) exists where a researcher's outside interests or activities could improperly affect, or give the appearance of affecting, the researcher's activities at Columbia.

Data Management and Security

Valuable information regarding research data at Columbia, including management, security, storage and ownership of data. 

Economic Sanctions and Restricted Parties

Certain entities and individuals, both domestic and foreign, are subject to sanctions or other restrictions under U.S. law that may restrict researchers' ability to engage in a project, collaboration or other transaction.

Export Controls

U.S. laws and regulations that restrict the shipment or transfer of certain information, commodities, services, and other items (including software) for reasons of foreign policy and national security, as determined by the U.S. government.

Fiscal Responsibility

Columbia researchers and administrators are expected to exercise the utmost responsibility in managing research funds provided to the University, including issues related to compensation and effort reporting.

International Research

To help researchers plan for risks and requirements that may be associated with international projects, the University has established Risk Management Procedures.

ReaDI Program

A program designed to provide several tools to ensure robust data and research integrity.

Research Misconduct

University policies and procedures that define misconduct, outline the process for investigating allegations, and explain the consequences of committing misconduct.

Training

The University's comprehensive compliance training programs ensure that those involved in research are aware of what is expected and required of them.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (Drones)

The FAA regulates the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (“UAVs”, a.k.a. drones) within the U.S.  This includes UAVs used in Columbia research.  Columbia University also restricts the use of UAVs on Columbia campus. 

Report a Compliance Concern

The Hotline serves as a confidential and anonymous channel for employees to report or seek guidance on possible compliance issues. 

Announcements and Events

In the News

Read about recent research compliance issues in the news.

RCT Calendar

View upcoming events from RCT.

PCRI Symposium

A University Symposium: Promoting Credibility, Reproducibility and Integrity in Research will be held on March 28, 2025.