UH named ‘gold standard’ institution, reaccredited for human research protection
University of HawaiʻiDirector, Office of Research Compliance, Office of the VP for Research and Innovation
Eric R. Matsunaga, (808) 956-5588
Director, Research and Administrative Operations, Office of the VP for Research and Innovation
The Human Studies Program (HSP) at the University of Hawaiʻi was again recognized by the Association for the Accreditation of Human Research Protection Programs, Inc. (AAHRPP) as a “gold standard” research institution, meeting high standards of quality and protection for participants, and offering assurances of excellence to the Hawaiʻi research community.
On March 25, UH was awarded full reaccreditation by AAHRPP for a period of five years. Previously, UH received an initial three-year accreditation in 2017 followed by a reaccreditation 2020. In addition to strengthening protections for research participants, the accreditation helps build confidence in research through a commitment of promoting and adhering to high-quality standards and practices.
“This full reaccreditation by AAHRPP continues to show the University of Hawaiʻi’s commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of research participants,” said Diana Blanco, director for the Office of Research Compliance. “We are very fortunate to have three dedicated UH Institutional Review Boards, consisting of community members and UH faculty/staff, who volunteered their time and expertise, as well as a highly experienced administrative team, led by Manager Kristin Bacon, to meet this challenge.”
AAHRPP has accredited organizations across the U.S. and around the world. All major U.S. independent institutional review boards have earned AAHRPP accreditation. In addition, more than 65% of U.S. medical colleges and 60% of research universities are either AAHRPP accredited or have begun the accreditation process.
About AAHRPP
AAHRPP, a non-profit organization, provides accreditation for organizations that conduct or review human research and can demonstrate that their protections exceed the safeguards required by the U.S. government. To learn more, visit www.aahrpp.org.
About UH Research
Research conducted by UH impacts the quality of life in the islands and around the world. As the state’s major research university, UH plays a prominent role in the state’s economic growth and development through its world-renowned research programs in astronomy, earth and ocean sciences, medicine, and tropical agriculture. https://research.hawaii.edu/.