The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) is committed to promotion of the highest standards for research by ensuring both ethical and legal obligations are met. This is accomplished through consultation and educational programs for all researchers. The Environment and Occupational Health and Safety unit facilitates ILRI's research compliance programs by providing oversight and coordination of research compliance areas involving animals, human subjects, recombinant DNA, genetic modification, hazardous agents and research misconduct.
It is expected that all persons involved in research (including institutional officials, directors, principal investigators, staff, colloborators and students) clearly understand and meet their responsibilities when engaged in research activities.
ILRI is required by country and international statutory requirements to establish specific research committees to ensure the safety and welfare of research subjects, those conducting research, and others who work or study within the research environment. Accordingly, committees have been established at ILRI to oversee these specific research areas:
- Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (animal subjects)
- Institutional Biosafety Committee (recombinant DNA, biohazards and hazardous chemicals)
- Institutional Research Ethics Committee (human subjects)
Failure to obtain the required approval prior to the initiation of research activities or procurement of animals, and failure to conduct research activities in accordance with the approved protocol can jeopardize the ability to conduct research and receive funding.
Research compliance promotes a culture of compliance, research integrity, and high quality research within the ILRI community. This is accomplished through consultation and educational programs for all researchers.