The Office of Research and Engagement, in partnership with the Tickle College of Engineering (TCE), will host a Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) workshop on Tuesday, May 14 in the Toyota Auditorium of the Howard H. Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy.

Holly Mercer and Shawn Campagna were recently appointed as Office of Research and Engagement Faculty Fellows to assist with strategic efforts behind two critical programs within the division: responsible conduct of research and the Science Alliance. They will work closely with Robert Nobles, interim vice chancellor for research, as well as other members of the ORE leadership team, administrators, and researchers.

Sarah Pruett, a UT alumna, will start work as the director of research integrity and research integrity compliance officer for the Office of Research and Engagement, effective April 23, 2018.

As part of the Office of Research Integrity (ORI), this new position will be responsible for investigating allegations of research misconduct at the university. Pruett will also provide research integrity training and raise awareness on campus of the institutional plan for the responsible conduct of research.

“I am honored that Dr. Nobles has entrusted me with this mission,” said Pruett. “I look forward to to working with the UT community and being part of its continued success.”

The Office of Research and Engagement’s third annual Research Integrity and Compliance Awards were held at the Howard H. Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy Tuesday, February 6. Chancellor Beverly Davenport and Robert Nobles, interim vice chancellor for research and engagement, celebrated faculty, staff, and students who practice excellence in safety and compliance areas every day.

“These awards were created to highlight the value and importance of shared governance, which lays the foundation for UT’s continued success,” said Nobles. “I am indebted to those who contribute to our research integrity, safety, and compliance infrastructure, and appreciate their dedication.”

Eighteen individuals were recognized by their peers for consistently going above and beyond in their field, showcasing their dedication to research integrity, radiation and laboratory safety, and issues of compliance.

“The recipients of these awards are a dedicated and compassionate group of people who serve as role models of the Volunteer spirit and go the extra mile in giving their all for the university in such a selfless manner,” said Nobles.

Wade Bishop and Joseph Stainback IV were recently appointed faculty fellows within the Office of Research and Engagement to serve as interim Research Integrity Officers.

In this role, Bishop and Stainback will provide leadership and assistance to the Assistant Research Integrity Officer in the areas of research integrity policies and procedures, training for responsible conduct of research, and the conduct of research misconduct allegation assessments. They will work closely with Robert Nobles, interim Vice Chancellor for Research, as well as other members of the compliance team, administrators, and researchers.

“I am grateful for the contributions that Wade and Joseph will be making to UT’s research integrity infrastructure,” said Nobles. “Our research integrity officers will fulfill a critical role in promoting the responsible conduct of research and assisting with allegations of research misconduct.”