FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, Sept. 21, 2007
Contact: Lalena Price, University Communications (304) 746-1989
 

Marshall’s human research program receives national accreditation

HUNTINGTON – Marshall University’s human research program has received national accreditation, a first for any university in West Virginia, according to the Association for the Accreditation of Human Research Protection Programs, Inc.

Only 32 organizations in the country have full accreditation through the association, a nonprofit that evaluates organizations that conduct human research. Accredited entities must be able to demonstrate that extensive safeguards are built into every level of their research operation.

“Marshall University is committed to the most comprehensive protections for research participants as well as the highest quality research,” Marshall President Stephen J. Kopp said. “We sought accreditation, because our program is committed to continuous improvement. We strive to go beyond what is required by law to protect human participants and ensure integrity in research. It is an honor to have our program recognized in this manner.”

Marshall’s Office of Research Integrity serves as the institutional review board for the Huntington VA Medical Center, St. Mary’s Medical Center, Cabell Huntington Hospital and the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine. The types of research conducted include medical studies, cancer studies, new medical devices, investigational drugs and social and behavioral studies like the ones conducted through the Marshall University main campus and the Graduate College in South Charleston. Through affiliation with Marshall, all of these programs share in the accreditation, which is valid for three years.

Dr. Cynthia Winger, director of the office, said that the tough process meant every aspect of the entire program was examined. She said the university puts the wellbeing of all research participants first giving the program a strong foundation before the accreditation review process began.

“After going through a very stringent process we know without doubt that everything about our human research program meets or exceeds federal regulations,” Winger said. “Through accreditation, we demonstrated our high ethical standards in protecting research participants, which should be a signal to the public that they can trust our process.”

Other academic institutions that were granted accreditation at the same time as Marshall include Harvard University, University of Oklahoma and University of Kansas.

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