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Office of Regulatory Affairs and Research Compliance

Welcome to the Office of Regulatory Affairs and Research Compliance (ORARC).

Our mission is to ensure the quality and integrity of research conducted at Harvard Chan School.

Phone 866-606-0573
Location

90 Smith Street
3rd Floor, Suite 338 Boston, MA 02120

Informational Videos

Overview

The Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP) created these videos with the intention of helping potential participants understand how research works, what questions they should consider asking, and things to think about when deciding whether to participate in a study. To access these videos in a language other than English or to see a complete listing of OHRP’s educational materials, visit their website here.

Part 1: What is Research

This video provides basic information about scientific research, the goals of research, and discusses how clinical research differs from medical care. (3:00)

Part 2: Clinical Trials

This video discusses types of human research with a focus on clinical trials, and explains common terms that potential participants should know. (4:20)

Part 3: Questions to Ask

This video emphasizes that participating in research is voluntary and encourages potential participants to ask questions and get the information they need to decide whether to participate. (4:44)

Research Use of Information and Samples from Patient Care

This video provides basic information about research use of information and biological samples from clinical care. (5:16)

Institutional Review Boards (IRBs)

This video describes what an institutional review board (IRB) is and how IRBs serve to protect people who participate in research. (6:45)