Research Compliance
The Research Compliance Unit at Jackson State University (JSU) is dedicated to ensuring that all research conducted under the university’s auspices adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards. The unit plays a critical role in protecting the rights, dignity, health, safety, and privacy of research subjects, as well as the welfare of animals and the integrity of the environment. At the same time, it safeguards the health, safety, rights, and academic freedom of researchers, while upholding JSU’s reputation for conducting high-quality, ethical research.
These policies and procedures apply to all individuals engaging in research associated with Jackson State University. This includes:
- Faculty, staff, and students
- Visiting researchers and principal investigators
- Those with honorary posts, collaborating partners, sub-contractors, and funding recipients
Principal Investigators (PIs) bear the responsibility of ensuring that all members of their research teams comply with JSU’s policies, training requirements, and any applicable federal regulations.
The Research Compliance Unit provides administrative and operational support to:
- Institutional Review Board (IRB):
Protecting the rights and welfare of human research participants. - Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC):
Ensuring the ethical and humane use of animals in research. - Biosafety Committee:
Reviewing and approving recombinant DNA research and biohazard projects. - HAZMAT and Radiation Safety Committee:
Ensuring the safe handling, storage, use, transfer, and disposal of radioactive materials, and radiation-producing devices. - Research Integrity Ad-Hoc Committee:
Addressing and investigating concerns related to research misconduct, ensuring adherence to ethical standards and regulatory compliance in all research activities.
By fostering a culture of compliance, integrity, and excellence, the Research Compliance Unit ensures that JSU remains a leader in ethical research while advancing knowledge and innovation.
Other Research Compliance Areas:
At Jackson State University (JSU), research security is integral to protecting the integrity and outcomes of its innovative research programs. Following the definition outlined in the JASON Report (NSF, March 2023), JSU views research security as “protecting the means, know-how, and products of research until they are ready to be shared, by approval of the leader(s) of the research program and other stakeholders in their security.”
The university prioritizes safeguarding sensitive data, intellectual property, and proprietary research to prevent unauthorized access and ensure compliance with ethical and regulatory standards.
JSU’s Research Security Office implements comprehensive measures, including cybersecurity protocols, export control compliance, and secure data management practices. Researchers receive training and resources to help identify and mitigate potential threats while adhering to federal guidelines and institutional policies.
By fostering a proactive culture of security and awareness, JSU ensures that its groundbreaking discoveries remain protected until they are ready to be shared responsibly with the broader academic and industrial communities.
U.S. export control laws and regulations are critical to maintaining national security and safeguarding U.S. economic vitality. Jackson State University (JSU) is committed to ensuring full compliance with these regulations to protect sensitive technologies, materials, and information.
Export controls govern the shipment or transfer of tangible items and technical data outside the United States, as well as access to export-controlled technical data, materials, or equipment by non-U.S. persons within the United States, a process known as a deemed export. Additionally, JSU adheres to the regulations enforced by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), which imposes sanctions and embargoes on transactions with designated countries, entities, and individuals.
The university ensures compliance through robust training, guidance, and oversight for faculty, staff, and students engaged in international collaborations, research, or activities involving export-controlled items or data.
Export Control Certification for Hiring International Staff or Faculty
As part of its commitment to export control compliance, JSU requires export control certifications during the hiring process for international staff and faculty.
These certifications are essential for assessing whether the position involves access to export-controlled technologies or information.
If such access is anticipated, the university will determine whether a deemed export license is required before the individual can begin their work. This process includes:
- Screening for Export-Controlled Activities:
Ensuring the job responsibilities are reviewed for potential export control implications. - Certification Requirements:
Completing export control certifications to document compliance with federal laws. - License Applications (if necessary):
Collaborating with federal agencies to obtain required licenses in cases where deemed export restrictions apply.
Reviewing J-1 Exchange Visitors and H-1B Temporary Workers
- JSU's Export Control Officer review of both J-1 and H-1B visa requests will be undertaken for all visa requests submitted to HR and JSU Global.
The review will be coordinated by JSU Global directly with the Export Control Officer and will not require departments to take any additional steps.
However, if the review identifies any potential issues with the visa request, the Export Control Officer will notify the HR and the sponsoring department for further action as needed or appropriate.
- For H-1B requests only, an enhanced Form Export Controls Questionnaire is a required supplement for any request for an H-1B temporary worker (including initial requests and extension requests).
Departments seeking to sponsor an H-1B temporary worker for employment at JSU must arrange to have the questionnaire answered, completed, and signed by the employee's supervisor, PI, or other person familiar with the person's job duties and responsibilities.
The Export Control Officer coordinates the completion and certification and submits it to HR to finalize an H-1B petition for submission to US Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Conflicts of Interest/Financial Conflicts of Interest
A Financial Conflict of Interest (FCOI) specifically refers to situations where a researcher or their immediate family member has a financial interest that could directly or significantly affect the design, conduct, or reporting of federally funded research. Examples of financial interests include:
- Ownership of equity in a company sponsoring research.
- Consulting fees, honoraria, or other remuneration from entities related to the research.
- Intellectual property rights, such as patents or licensing agreements.
- Disclosure Requirements:
All researchers at JSU must complete and submit a Conflict-of-Interest Disclosure Form annually and update it if their financial or personal interests change. - Training:
Researchers involved in federally funded projects must complete mandatory FCOI training to stay informed about policies and regulations. - Review and Management:
Disclosures are reviewed by the COI Committee, which determines whether a conflict exists and implements a management plan if necessary to mitigate risks.
- Income or Payments:
$5,000 or more in compensation (e.g., salary, consulting fees, honoraria, or payments for services) from a single entity in the past 12 months. - Equity Interests:
$5,000 or more in equity ownership (e.g., stocks, stock options, or other ownership interests) in a publicly traded company. Any equity interest in a privately held company, regardless of its value. - Intellectual Property Income:
Income from royalties or licensing fees related to intellectual property rights exceeding $5,000 annually. - Travel Reimbursements:
Sponsored or reimbursed travel valued at $5,000 or more from any single entity, unless it is from specific exempt organizations (e.g., U.S. federal, state, or local government agencies, U.S. institutions of higher education, or research institutes affiliated with those institutions).
