What does an effective HRPP office provide to investigators?

An effective Human Research Protection Program (HRPP) office plays a crucial role in educating and advising investigators on the ethical and regulatory requirements associated with human research protections. Providing relevant education ensures that researchers are fully informed about the guidelines set forth by institutional review boards (IRBs), federal regulations, and ethical standards. This understanding helps investigators design studies that prioritize participant safety and rights, and promotes compliance with necessary regulations.

While financial support, access to participants, and study approval are important aspects of research, they are not the primary functions of an HRPP office. Financial support typically comes from grants or institutional funding mechanisms, access to participants relates more to recruitment strategies and partnerships, and approval of studies is one part of the overall review process, rather than the foundational support role that education and advice represent. Thus, the focus of the HRPP office is to empower investigators with knowledge and guidance, which enhances the overall integrity and ethical conduct of research involving human participants.