The table below provides information regarding research policies, along with designated organizations or staff members who can provide assistance or clarification with specific policies and guidelines. For a printable version, click here.
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Policies and Guidelines |
Contact |
General research policies |
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What do I need to know before starting a research project at Harvard? |
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What are the 12 essentials I should know? | Quick Guide for Researchers | |
Do I need to sign any agreement when I do research at Harvard? |
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Where should I share a copy of my publications resulting from Harvard research? |
FAS Open Access Policy (Digital Access to Scholarship at Harvard - DASH) |
Office for Scholarly Communication
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How do I manage my research data – whether it’s my own data or I receive it from another collaborator? |
Harvard Research Data Security Policy; Research Data Management; Data Use Agreements System Support and Guidance |
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Are there restrictions for the use of Harvard’s name or logo in a research project? |
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Are there any lab safety measures or training requirements to consider? |
FAS Environment and Safety Plan
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I would like to involve undergraduate students in my research. |
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What do I have to do if I suspect research misconduct? |
Policy and Procedures for Responding to Allegations of Research Misconduct |
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How do I decide who should be listed as an author in my publication? | Guidelines on Authorship and Acknowledgement | Stacey Springs |
Policies regarding consulting, industry collaborations, and international research |
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What should I consider when I engage in professional activities outside of Harvard? |
FAS and University policies on outside activities; University Principles Governing Commercial Activities |
Relevant Dean (appointment-related) or Research Compliance Program (RCP) (financial interest-related) |
What if I get compensated directly by an outside organization for consulting, speaking, or advisory board service? |
FAS policy and University policy on financial conflicts of interest (fCOI) |
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What do I have to be aware of when collaborating with industry or engaging in commercial activities? |
University Principles Governing Commercial Activities; FAS Policies Relating to Research and Other Professional Activities Within and Outside the University |
Relevant Dean (project approval) or Research Compliance Program (RCP) (conflict of interest) |
I have a non-Harvard visitor working with me in my lab. |
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I plan to send material or information to or travel outside of the US. |
Export Controls Policies and Procedures; Export Control Policy Statement |
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I plan to participate in international research. |
Harvard Global Support Services; Guidance for International Projects |
Multiple (see Guidance) |
Policies regarding federal or non-federal sponsored research |
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What policies apply to externally-funded research? |
Office for Sponsored Programs (OSP) provides a comprehensive list of policies |
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Do I need to disclose any of my non-Harvard affiliations to my sponsors? |
Guidance for Faculty Disclosure; Federally-Funded Faculty Disclosure Requirements | Research Compliance Program (RCP) |
Policies regarding intellectual property and non-funded legal agreements |
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What do I have to know if my research results in an invention? |
Intellectual Property Policy addresses inventions, copyright, royalties, licensing |
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What do I need to do when I want to receive or share materials? |
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I have been asked to sign a non-funded agreement (e.g., confidentiality, data use, non-disclosure). |
Negotiating and Signing Authority for Agreements Related to Research provides the contact information for each type of agreement |
Multiple (see Workflow) |
Policies regarding research with human participants, animal subjects, or biohazardous material |
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What do I have to do before starting a project that involves human subjects? |
Use of Human Subjects in Research
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I intend to use non-human vertebrate animals in my research. |
Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) Policies (Harvard Key access only) |
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What is the approval process for research involving embryonic stem cells? |
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My work involves recombinant DNA (rDNA) or biohazards. |
Committee on Microbiological Safety (COMS) includes policies and link to submit new registration or amendment requests |