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WesternU / Research and Biotechnology / Research Regulatory Affairs

Research Regulatory Affairs

OFFICE OF RESEARCH REGULATORY AFFAIRS

The Office of Research Regulatory Affairs (ORRA) plays a crucial role in ensuring that research activities at our institution adhere to the highest ethical and regulatory standards. This office oversees several key committees, including the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), which ensures the humane treatment of animals in research, teaching, breeding and testing; the Institutional Review Board (IRB), which protects the rights and welfare of human subjects; and the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC), which evaluates the safety of biological research. Additionally, ORRA manages the Dual Use Research of Concern (DURC) Committee, which addresses potential risks associated with sensitive research; the Radiation Safety Committee (RSC), which oversees the safe use of radiation in research; and the Stem Cell Research Oversight (SCRO) Committee, which ensures compliance with ethical guidelines in stem cell research. Together, these committees work to promote responsible research practices while fostering innovation and scientific advancement.

  • Responsibilities of the Office of Research Regulatory Affairs

    The Office of Research Regulatory Affairs ensures that the operation of these committees and the research that they oversee is conducted according to all applicable local, state and federal guidelines and regulations. Responsibilities of the Office of Research Regulatory Affairs include, but are not limited to:

    • Ensuring that each committee is properly constituted.
    • Registering committees with state and federal governments as needed.
    • Maintaining required licenses and permits up to date.
    • Ensuring that training programs are in place and are implemented and monitored by the respective committees.
    • Filing reports to government agencies as needed.
    • Assisting with investigations pertaining to noncompliance or scientific misconduct.
    • Development of written policies and procedures.
    • Updating information as needed on the websites listed on this page.
    • Daily operations and facilitation of review and approval of research protocols submitted to each research regulatory oversight committee.

    The Office of Research Regulatory Affairs reports to the Sr. VP for Research and Biotechnology.

  • Research Committees

  • A gloved person holds a white lab mouse against a blurred blue background. Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee
  • Dr. Sanchez has a clip and tags left on it.** MSPS Student Kevin Ventocilla works with his advisor, Assoiciate Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences Dr. David Sanchez, to analyze the outcomes of an experiment that shows the how different HIV genes can manipulate an immune response against the virus. *Photographed for a COP story on research diversity. Biosafety
  • Two scientists in protective suits work in a laboratory. One holds a petri dish, while the other analyzes data on a monitor. A biohazard sign is visible in the foreground. Radiation Safety
  • Student working on computer in laboratory Institutional Review Board
  • Four students working in laboratory Conflict of Interest
  • Student observes specimen in petri dish Stem Cell Research
  • ORRA Staff

    Portrait of Jennifer Baker

    Jennifer Baker

    Office of Research Regulatory Affairs

    Director of Research Regulatory Affairs and Compliance

    909-469-5606

    jbaker@westernu.edu

    Portrait of Linda Martinez

    Linda Martinez

    Office of Research Regulatory Affairs

    Regulatory Compliance Coordinator

    lmartinez@westernu.edu

    Portrait of Ariana Cast

    Ariana Cast

    Office of Research Regulatory Affairs / Department of Animal Care

    Manager of Research and Animal Care Operations

    acast@westernu.edu

    Exterior photo of URC building

    Contact the office of research regulatory affairs

    The Office of Research Regulatory Affairs is located in the University Rodney P. Wineberg Center building on the Pomona campus.

    Office Hours
    8:00AM – 5:00PM, Monday-Friday

    Mailing Address
    Western University of Health Sciences
    Office of Research Regulatory Affairs
    309 East Second Street
    Pomona, CA 91766-1854