The role of a research investigator is twofold: (a) to ask a relevant question and (b) to obtain, analyze, and report data with the highest level of ethics and integrity. While this process is intellectually satisfying, it is guided by an increasingly complex matrix of Federal, State, local, and institutional policies and procedures. To assist you in this process, below are links to relevant information that will help you understand your responsibilities as an investigator.

The Belmont Report
Created under the National Research Act, the Belmont Report provides ethical principles and guidelines regarding human research subjects.

The Common Rule 45 C.F.R. 46
A federal policy that applies to all research involving human subjects conducted, supported, or otherwise subject to regulation by any federal department or agency that takes appropriate administrative action to make the policy applicable to such research.

The Helsinki Declaration
Created by the World Medical Association, the Declaration is a statement of ethical principles that provides guidance to those involved in human subject research.