Human Research Protections

Policies & Procedures

The WCM Human Research Protections Policy (HRPP)

No research involving human subjects may be conducted without IRB approval and no research may commence until all required Institutional approvals (including IRB) are obtained. Exempt research is subject to review for determination of exemption status, and limited IRB review and approval where required. At WCM, exemptions not requiring limited IRB review are reviewed and granted by Human Research Protections (HRP) staff.

Ethical and Legal Standards In the review and conduct of research, actions by WCM will be guided by the principles set forth in the Ethical Principles and Guidelines for the Protection of Human Subjects of Research, often referred to as the Belmont Report (i.e., respect for persons, beneficence, and justice). The actions of WCM will also conform to all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, (including tribal laws passed by the official governing body of an American Indian or Alaska Native tribe).

The mission of the HRPP is to:

  • Safeguard and promote the health and welfare of human research subjects by ensuring that their rights, safety and well-being are protected; 
  • Provide guidance and support to the research community in the conduct of research with human subjects;
  • Assist the research community in ensuring compliance with relevant regulations;
  • Provide timely and high quality education, review and monitoring of human research projects; and 
  • Facilitate excellence in human research. 

You can read our full Human Research Protections Program policy here.

Ethical Principles

The HRPP is be guided by the principles set forth in the Ethical Principles and Guidelines for the Protection of Human Subjects of Research (often referred to as the Belmont Report). These principles include respect for persons, beneficence, and justice.

The WCM IRB applies these ethic principles to all Human Research regardless of support or geographic location. Policies and procedures applied to research conducted domestically are applied to international research.

The following categories of individuals are expected to abide by these ethical requirements:

  • Investigators
  • Research Staff
  • IRB members, IRB chairs, and IRB vice-chairs
  • Human Research Compliance staff members
  • Institutional Officials
  • Employees and agents

Complaint or Concern about Research Integrity? We want to hear from you.

No retaliation. Confidentiality maintained. Calls will not be traced. Calls can be anonymous.

EthicsPoint Hotline
(866) 293-3077 | www.hotline.cornell.edu

Weill Cornell Medicine Human Research Protections 575 Lexington Avenue New York, NY 10022 Phone: (646) 962-8200