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RPI

Research Policy and Integrity Office

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  
  • Research Data Governance and Privacy
  • Research Security, Export Controls, and Global Engagement Review Program
  • Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research 

Our Services

The expertise of the RPI office focuses on the following key areas, all of which are essential to ensuring the integrity of the research process, protecting the university’s principles of academic freedom, and fostering research in an open environment across all Stanford schools and disciplines.

Conflict of Interest and Conflict of Commitment

All Stanford personnel are expected to conduct their activities in a manner that does not compromise the integrity of the university or public trust. However, there are times when conflicts of interest, conflict of commitment, or both, may arise. Such situations do not necessarily indicate wrongdoing or inappropriate behavior. Conflicts of interest are common and practically unavoidable in any research university. Stanford’s policies aim to mitigate the risks associated with these conflicts.

The Conflict of Interest and Commitment team assists the Stanford research community in navigating these policies, understanding the implications of competing interests, and fulfilling the requirements for disclosure and management.

Visit the Conflict of Interest and Conflict of Commitment page

Research Data Governance and Privacy

The Research Data Governance and Privacy team at Stanford provides resources and tools to support the Stanford research community in developing data management plans and ensuring compliance with applicable regulations. The team is dedicated to helping the Stanford research community navigate complex data governance issues, ensuring compliance and proper data management.

Visit the Research Data Governance and Privacy page

Research Security, Export Controls, and Global Engagement Review Program

The Research Security, Export Controls, and Global Engagement Review Program team provides essential outreach, education, compliance programs, risk assessments, and voluntary reviews, acting as the central resource for all research-security requirements and policies. Its key initiatives include research security, which helps the university navigate and meet requirements arising from federal regulations and policies intended to safeguard U.S. research from foreign interference. The Global Engagement Review Program offers voluntary evaluations of research engagements to identify and mitigate security risks. Export controls compliance ensures adherence to federal export regulations through comprehensive guidance and support.

The team supports the university by providing outreach, education, compliance programs, risk assessments, and voluntary reviews. The team serves as a central resource for navigating complex research security requirements and fostering a secure research environment.

Visit the Research Security, Export Controls, and Global Engagement Review Prog…

Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research

Education is fundamental to ensuring the integrity, responsibility, and excellence in research practices. The Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research Education director serves as a resource and guide related to training programs available to members of the Stanford research community. These programs address both required training and oversight in responsible and ethical research practices. The training covers essential topics such as research integrity, data acquisition and management, authorship, research collaborations, potential conflicts of interest, and more.

Visit the Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research page

Our Team

Linda Coleman

Linda Coleman, JD, CIP, CHC, CHRC, CCEP-I

Associate Vice Provost, Research Policy and Integrity

linda.coleman@stanford.edu

Jessa Albertson

Jessa Albertson

Senior Director, Research Security, Export Controls, and Global Engagement Review Program

jalbertson@stanford.edu

Ronda Anderson

Ronda Anderson

Director, Conflict of Interest and Conflict of Commitment

rondaa@stanford.edu

Brandon Barnhill

Brandon Barnhill

Director, Export Controls

barnhib@stanford.edu

Cindy Kiel

Cindy Kiel

Chief Research Conflict Officer

ckiel@stanford.edu

Scott Edmiston

Scott Edmiston

Director, Research Data Governance and Privacy

scotted@stanford.edu

Victoria Gregg

Victoria Gregg

Manager, Conflict of Interest

vgregg@stanford.edu

Brooke Langlitz

Brooke Langlitz

Manager, Conflict of Interest

langlitz@stanford.edu

Geoff Lewis

Geoffery Lewis

Coordinator, Research Security

glewis22@stanford.edu

Shannon Shankle

Shannon Shankle

Analyst, Conflict of Interest

sds@stanford.edu

Tori Sharma

Tori Sharma

Director, Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research Education

tsharm@stanford.edu

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

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

Created: 04/01/21

Updated: 02/25/25