Compliance

Research activities at the University of Maine are governed by federal and state regulations and 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 community member at risk for violations which could result in substantial administrative, civil, and criminal fines and penalties.

Research compliance is a complex administrative area that involves the oversight of several different offices and departments. Fiscal and sponsored program aspects of research compliance are handled by the Office of Research Administration.  In this section of the ORA website researchers are provided with an overview of several compliance areas inherent to the management of grants and contracts.

Research Compliance Partners & Areas of Oversight

Office of Research Compliance (ORC)

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

UMaine Portal login required to view Safety Management (SEM)

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).

Office of Innovation & Economic Development (OIED)

The Office of Innovation & Economic Development (OIED) 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.