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Research activities at the University of Maine are governed by federal and state regulations as well as University policies which have been instituted to ensure scientific integrity; safeguard the welfare of animal and human subjects; and protect the health and safety of faculty and staff, students, and visitors on campus.

The University of Maine adheres to a strict policy of compliance. All members of the University community are responsible for familiarizing themselves, and complying with all applicable regulations and policies. Failure to do so places not only the University but also the individual at risk for violations which could result in substantial administrative, civil, and criminal fines and penalties.

At the University of Maine, research compliance is a collaborative effort involving multiple offices and departments, each playing a vital role in ensuring adherence to federal and state regulations, as well as university policies.

The Office of Research Compliance is the primary point of contact for a wide range of compliance areas, with fiscal and sponsored program aspects of research compliance being handled in collaboration with the Office of Research Administration.

ORC provides comprehensive regulatory guidance to the UMaine research community regarding specific components of research compliance, including:

  • Protection of Human Subjects
  • Humane care and use of animals
  • Use of recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid molecules or infectious agents
  • Financial Conflicts of Interest
  • Responsible Conduct of Research
  • Export Control
  • Research Misconduct

More details can be viewed on ORC’s website.

Research involving potential hazards to employees or the environment, such as hazardous materials or in instances where safety equipment or medical monitoring is needed, may require prior approval or training from the Safety & Environmental Management Department (SEM).

More details can be viewed on SEM’s website (but will require a UMaine Single Sign-On).

The Office of Strategic Partnerships, Innovation, Resources & Engagement (SPIRE) helps support new and existing businesses. They link business and industry experts, oversee contracts with industry and facilitate the technology transfer and the commercialization of inventions produced at the University.

More information can be viewed on SPIRE’s website.