RPI

Research Policy and Integrity

Each member of the university community has a responsibility to foster an environment which promotes intellectual honesty and integrity."

Stanford Research Policy Handbook 1.7

Who We Are

The Research Policy and Integrity (RPI) office promotes a culture of integrity in research throughout the Stanford community, its constituents, and research alliances.

RPI office develops and oversees the implementation of research policies in collaboration with research administration offices, faculty leaders, including school deans and other stakeholders. The office ensures that new and revised policies are clearly communicated and consistently implemented throughout the Stanford research community.

The Associate Vice Provost for Research Policy and Integrity leads this process and reports to the Vice Provost and Dean of Research, David Studdert. The Stanford Research Policy Handbook reflects the most current policies.

The office’s specific areas of policy and regulatory support include four major areas:

Conflict of Commitment and Conflict of Interest
Data Privacy and Protection
Research Security, Export Controls, and Global Engagement Review Program
Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research

Mission Statement

The mission of the Research Policy and Integrity (RPI) office is to advance Stanford University’s global research enterprise and foster a culture of integrity, compliance, and excellence in the research process. We achieve this by developing and communicating effective policies, implementing efficient practices, and engaging the research community to uphold values that safeguard and support the research mission while fostering public trust.

How we Achieve Our Mission

Promote Research Integrity
- Foster a culture of trust, consistency, and reliable research practices.
Develop and Implement Research Policies
- Create, revise, and disseminate research policies that address emerging challenges and support Stanford’s research mission.
Provide Expert Guidance
- Deliver specialized knowledge to navigate complex research policies and regulatory requirements.
Communicate Policies Effectively
- Ensure clear, accessible dissemination of policy updates, interpretations, and guidance.
Foster Stakeholder Inclusion
- Engage stakeholders in the creation and distribution of policies and guidelines.
Reduce Administrative Burden
- Streamline processes and eliminate unnecessary complexities to improve efficiency.
Increase Awareness and Compliance
- Enhance understanding and adherence to research policies through targeted education and outreach.
Strengthen Research Infrastructure and Oversight
- Support effective governance, compliance, and risk management across research activities.
Uphold Ethical and Quality Research Practices
- Ensure research integrity, responsibility, and excellence in research practices.
Build and Maintain Public Trust
- Uphold transparency and accountability to foster public confidence in the research process and its outcomes.

Overview of RPI Teams and Support

The Research Policy and Integrity (RPI) Office promotes a culture of integrity in research throughout the Stanford community and its global partnerships.

As the steward of Stanford’s Research Policy Handbook, RPI develops and oversees the implementation of research policies in collaboration with research administration offices, faculty leaders, school deans, and other stakeholders. The office ensures that new and revised policies are clearly communicated and consistently applied across Stanford’s research enterprise.

The Associate Vice Provost for Research Policy and Integrity leads this work and reports to the Vice Provost and Dean of Research, David Studdert. The Stanford Research Policy Handbook serves as the authoritative source for current research policies.

RPI has responsibility for the Research Policy Handbook as a whole and provides institutional oversight, guidance, and resources through the following areas:

Conflict of Commitment and Conflict of Interest Program
Export Control Program
Research Security and Global Engagement Review Program
Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research Program

In addition to its formal programs, the RPI Office includes designated Data Protection Champions. These staff serve as resources on responsible data use and stewardship in research. While RPI does not manage Stanford’s institutional privacy program, the Champions collaborate with the University Privacy Office and other stakeholders to help researchers apply good practices in handling personal data.

Conflict of Interest and Conflict of Commitment

Assists the Stanford research community in navigating these policies, understanding the implications of competing interests, and fulfilling the requirements for disclosure and management.

Go here for more information about Conflict of Interest & Conflict of Commitment

Research Security

Provides essential outreach, education, compliance programs, risk assessments, and voluntary reviews, acting as the central resource for all research-security requirements and policies at Stanford University.

Go here for more information about Research Security

Export Controls

Provides researchers with guidance, tools, and support to navigate complex regulations that may affect international collaborations, data sharing, and the transfer of research materials.

Go here for more information about Export Controls

Data Privacy and Protection (VPDoR Data Protection Champions)

Provides local leadership in data stewardship as part of Stanford’s university-wide Data Protection Champions (DPCs) network, with VPDoR-designated Champions in the RPI Office serving as liaisons to help researchers apply good practices in privacy and IT security.

Go here for more information about Data Privacy & Protection and the VPDoR Data…