Human Research Protection Program

AAHRPP Gold Seal

The Research Integrity and Compliance Office oversees all human research projects and compliance issues at Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute. The office protect the rights and welfare of research participants and provides administrative support to the HPHC/I research community. This office oversees compliance matters pertaining to public health surveillance as well as research, including, but not limited to conflicts of interest, export controls, intellectual property, IRB operations, research integrity and the quality assurance/quality improvement program.

Our human research protection program is fully accredited by the Association for the Accreditation of Human Research Protection Programs (AAHRPP), Inc.  An independent, non-profit accrediting body, AAHRPP uses a voluntary, peer-driven, educational model to ensure that human research protection programs meet rigorous standards for quality and protection. To earn accreditation, organizations must provide tangible evidence - through policies, procedures, and practices - of their commitment to scientifically and ethically sound research and to continuous improvement.  As the "gold seal," AAHRPP accreditation offers assurances - to research participants, researchers, sponsors, government regulators, and the general public- that we are focused first and foremost on excellence. 

For additional information, please visit the Human Research Protection Program website.

Research Participant Concerns

  • Research participants are encouraged to share their concerns or complaints regarding their involvement in a research study with the investigator or study staff. Research participants may also report their concerns to the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institutional Review Board (IRB). The IRB is dedicated to protecting the rights, welfare and safety of research participants.
  • If you have questions or concerns regarding the rights of a research participant, you may leave a message anonymously on the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care IRB Hotline. You can also contact the IRB Hotline if you have a complaint about the study or concern about study activities. The IRB Hotline is 800-807-6812.

Research Misconduct Concerns

  • Concerns involving allegations of research misconduct are handled in accordance with the policy and procedures for responding to allegations of research misconduct.
  • If you suspect research misconduct at Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, the contact is Paula Tebeau, Director, Research Integrity & Compliance Officer, Paula_Tebeau@hphci.harvard.edu or 617-867-4587

Sponsored Programs

The Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) includes sponsored programs management and research compliance.  Serving faculty and student investigators in all aspects of pre- and post-award administration, OSP's mission is:

  • To ensure the appropriate stewardship of sponsored research, teaching, and service activities at Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute
  • To ensure that sponsored research, teaching, and service activities comply with Harvard Pilgrim's, relevant sponsors' and regulatory agencies' regulations
  • To protect the rights and privacy of human subjects involved in research conducted by Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute investigators
  • To support the values and goals of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute
  • To provide the highest level of service to our internal and external customers.


For additional information, please visit the OSP website.