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 the following major areas:

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

RPI also supports the Data Protection Champions Program under the oversight of the University Privacy Office. 

What We Do

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

RPI has responsibility for the Research Policy Handbook (RPH) and provides institutional oversight, guidance, and resources for the following areas: 

  • Research Security, Export Controls, and Global Engagement Research Review 

  • Conflict of Commitment and Conflict of Interest 

  • Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research

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.

Research Policy

The Stanford Research Policy Handbook (RPH) serves as the authoritative source for current research policies.Stanford's policy process is managed by RPI. Individual policies are owned by Responsible Offices charged with developing, updating, administering, communicating, training, ensuring compliance with, and providing resources to promote adherence to university policies that it issues. The Associate Vice Provost for Research Policy and Integrity leads this work and reports to the Vice Provost and Dean of Research, David Studdert.

Go here for more information about Research Policies

Research Security

The Research Security Program Office (RSO) is Stanford’s central coordinating office for research security. It ensures that the distributed functions of compliance, guidance, and risk assessment all function coherently in relation to research security matters – to ensure faculty, staff, and the institution are well protected.

Go here for more information about the Research Security Program Office

Export Controls

The Export Controls Office supports Stanford’s global research and collaboration by helping ensure compliance with U.S. export control and trade sanctions laws. The office provides guidance, resources, and oversight to help personnel meet due diligence requirements while enabling responsible international engagement.

Go here for more information about the Export Controls Office

Staff Contacts

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

Victoria Gregg

Victoria Gregg

Manager, Conflict of Interest

vgregg@stanford.edu

Brooke Langlitz

Brooke Langlitz

Manager, Conflict of Interest

langlitz@stanford.edu

Bryant Gordon

Bryant Gordon

Manager, Conflict of Interest

bjgordon@stanford.edu

Geoff Lewis

Geoffery Lewis

Coordinator, Research Security

glewis22@stanford.edu

Shannon Shankle

Shannon Shankle

Analyst, Conflict of Interest

sds@stanford.edu

Allison Koon

Allison Koon

Specialist, Conflict of Interest

akoon@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: 02/20/26