The University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Human Research Protection Program has been reaccredited by the Association for the Accreditation of Human Research Protection Programs, whose criteria are considered the gold standard for protecting participants in research. Accredited institutions must follow rigorous standards for ethics, quality and protections for human research and are among the world’s most respected research organizations. 

The university’s accreditation, which has been continuously maintained since 2008, is valid until June 2031. Reaccreditation requires significant preparation culminating in a multi-day site visit where AAHRPP representatives interview research investigators, students, institutional leaders, institutional review board members, research reviewers, partner offices and Research Compliance, Integrity and Security staff. 

“This reaccreditation reflects the priority our institution places not only on conducting transformative research, but on doing so according to the highest ethical standards and with a strong commitment to protecting the human participants who make the research possible,” said Jen Nelson, vice chancellor for research and innovation. “I’d like to thank the Research Compliance, Integrity and Security team for leading the reaccreditation effort and to everyone on campus who helped us achieve this important milestone.” 

The AAHRPP commended the university’s level of communications and coordination between its HRPP components, which it said was evident based on the level of engagement demonstrated by interviewees.  

The RCIS team said the achievement reflects UNL’s commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of research participants and ensuring that “every person and every interaction matters.” The team extended its thanks to the IRB members, leadership in the Office of Research and Innovation, research staff members, research partners, principal investigators, graduate students, site visit interviewees and everyone who works each day to ensure responsible research practices are part of the university’s daily work.  

AAHRPP is a nonprofit organization that provides voluntary accreditation to organizations that conduct or review human research and demonstrate protections that exceed safeguards required by the U.S. government.  

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