Ethical Research Conduct
Strict adherence to an array of protective policies and guidelines is critical to the quality, integrity and success of the Iowa State University research enterprise. The Office of Research Ethics offers the expertise and support services investigators need to ensure their research stays on track by complying with institutional and sponsoring agency requirements and standards.
Conflicts of Interest and Commitment
Conflicts of interest, real or perceived, may manifest as: bias in research or academic work; improper influence over university subordinates or students; undue influence on research participants; inappropriate uses of university funds or property; and public allegations of unethical behavior. These situations can have the potential to damage the reputations and work of individuals and the university.
Financial conflicts of interest exists when an individual, or an institution, has financial interests that have the potential to influence, or bias, their responsibilities to the University.
Conflicts of Commitment occur when a Covered Employee’s outside activities compromise or may compromise their ability to meet their university responsibilities.
Export Controls
Export Controls are federal laws that govern how technology, technical data, technical assistance, and items or materials (from software to satellites and more) are physically or electronically exported, shipped, transmitted, transferred, or shared from the U.S. to foreign countries, persons, or entities. These laws protect national security and U.S. foreign policy interests, prevent terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and preserve U.S. economic competitiveness.
Research Security
Society benefits when the best minds from around the world come together to collaboratively create new discoveries and novel solutions that address challenges we face locally, nationally, and globally. At the same time, international activities come with various risks, which have received heightened attention from federal research sponsors in recent years.
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)
Small, unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) are controlled aircraft without an onboard pilot.
If your research involves flying an unmanned aircraft on or off campus, you will be required to obtain Office of Research Ethics approval for such activities.