AAHRPP Announcements
USC Gets Human Research Accreditation (USC News; June 26, 2007)
Human Subjects Protection Program “Aces”
Accreditation Site Visit…Final Exam Coming Up.
What is AAHRPP?
The Association for the Accreditation of Human Research Protection Programs, Inc., (AAHRPP) is a non-profit accrediting body that works to protect the rights and welfare of research participants and promote scientifically meritorious and ethically sound research by fostering and advancing the ethical and professional conduct of persons and organizations that engage in research with human participants. AAHRPP achieves its mission by using an accreditation process based on self-assessment, peer review, and education.
What are the benefits of AAHRPP accreditation?
By obtaining AAHRPP accreditation, USC is now part of an elite group of institutions internationally renowned as promoting exceptional ethical and professional standards in the conduct of human subjects research. Also, in working towards accreditation, the OPRS implemented a number of improvements to the USC Human Subjects Protection Program (HSPP) including the creation of HSPP Policies and Procedures, launching of the HSPP website, switching to an online application system (iStar), and increased education for faculty, administration, staff, and students involved in human subjects research.
AAHRPP Related Changes...What Has Been Done at USC? What Should I know?
Obtaining AAHRPP accreditation required changes to numerous parts of the Human Subjects Protection Program (HSPP) including policies and procedures, the iStar application system, and human subjects protection practices. A series of live education sessions are planned throughout the AY2007-08 to explain these changes, and impact on faculty, staff, students, and IRB members/staff conducting human subjects research.
Below are summaries of these changes and educational handouts to help address them. This list will be expanded as further change is implemented. For any question please contact the oprs@usc.edu.