Report Concerns
Research Integrity and Compliance
Human Research Participants
The Western Washington University Human Research Protections Program (HRPP) prioritizes the safety, rights, and welfare of all individuals participating in WWU-affiliated research projects. We also maintain the expectation that all members of a study team will engage in ethical research practices. Whether you are a study participant, a member of a research team, or another individual with a concern about any aspect of a research study or how it's being conducted, please know that we take all concerns or complaints very seriously and will investigate any reports promptly and thoroughly.
When reporting a concern, please include the following information, if you have it (check the study consent information):
- Principal Investigator (PI)/Researcher Name
- HRPP Study #
- Study Title
Animal Care and Use
The Western Washington University Animal Care and Use Program (ACAUP) is strongly committed to the humane care and use of animals in research, training, and instruction. Any member of the faculty, staff, student body, or public having reason to question the treatment of animals at WWU should report any suspected cases of animal abuse, misuses, or mistreatment. Anonymous reports are acceptable, and all are investigated. The identity of anyone making an anonymous report will be held in strict confidence. Federal laws prohibit discrimination or reprisal for reporting violations of standards and regulations promulgated under the Animal Welfare Act.
When reporting a concern, please include the following information, if you have it:
- Principal Investigator (PI)/Researcher Name
- ACAUP Protocol #
- Protocol Title
Anonymous reports are acceptable, and all are investigated. Note: If you leave an anonymous voicemail, we will investigate the complaint but will not be able to follow up with you.
HRPP, ACAUP, and Research Integrity & Compliance Reporting
If you feel comfortable speaking directly with study investigators or their staff, please do so. But if you have a significant concern or don't wish to speak to the researcher(s) directly, please contact us at (360) 650-3334. If you choose, you may leave a detailed phone message, as only the Office of Research Integrity and Compliance staff will have access to this line, and we will handle all reports confidentially. You may also provide only your name and number and request that someone contact you. Note: If you leave an anonymous phone call, we will investigate the complaint but will not be able to follow up with you.
If you know it, please include the following information:
- Principal Investigator (PI)/Researcher Name
- If you are reporting Human Participant Research or Animal Care and Use concern
- HRPP Study # or ACAUP Protocol #
- HRPP Study Title or ACAUP Protocol Title
- If the project is externally funded
- Funding Agency
- Grant Name
- Grant Number
You may send a detailed message to researchintegrity@wwu.edu or you may indicate simply that you have a concern and would like someone to follow up with you.
You may also send a letter via mail to:
Office of the Vice Provost for Research
Research Integrity and Compliance, Old Main 530 (MS 9038)
516 High Street, Bellingham WA 98225
If you know it, please include the following information:
- Principal Investigator (PI)/Researcher Name
- If you are reporting Human Participant Research or Animal Care and Use concern
- HRPP Study # or ACAUP Protocol #
- HRPP Study Title or ACAUP Protocol Title
- If the project is externally funded
- Funding Agency
- Grant Name
- Grant Number
Follow Up
Depending on the nature and severity of the concern, the Office of Research Integrity and Compliance staff, and sometimes members of the HRPP's Institutional Review Board (IRB) or ACAUP's Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) will investigate research concerns or complaints. We will review the information you have sent us and contact you, if you provided a return number or email. If needed, we will follow up with appropriate actions to try and address your concerns or complaint as quickly as possible.
Addressing Responsible Conduct for Research (WWU Policy and Procedures)
We follow the policy and procedures for addressing allegations of research misconduct that are published on the Policies and Procedures website as POL-U4520.02 and PRO-U4520.02.
Confidentiality
We will keep all information as confidential as possible and use your personal information only to contact you to follow up on the concern or complaint you have reported. (If we need to conduct a larger investigation, we may need to share some information with other University administrators.)
Human Participants: Contacting the Study Investigator
If you are a study participant, you should have received a consent form or information sheet that included the researcher's contact information. Please let us know if you are having difficulties contacting the investigator of a study.
Our reporting system is NOT for 911 or Emergency Service
If you require emergency assistance or believe a crime is in progress, dial 911 or call the WWU Campus Police at (360) 650-3911.
Research Misconduct
- Fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism is used in proposing, performing, or reviewing research, or in reporting research results. Research misconduct does not include honest error or differences of opinion;
- Willful failure to comply with federal, state, or university requirements for protecting researchers, involved research employees, and/or engaged students, ii) human subjects, and the public during research and iii) concerning the humane treatment of, and/or animals in research.
- Use of university resources such as research funds, facilities, faculty, staff, or students for unauthorized and/or illegal activities.
WWU's policy and procedures for addressing allegations of research misconduct are published on the Policies and Procedures website as POL-U4520.02 and PRO-U4520.02.
Research Misconduct Reporting
Per PRO-U4520.02 (step 3) reports of research misconduct can be submitted orally or in writing to the Dean of the Respondent's College or Research Integrity and Compliance staff.
You can report concerns directly to our office via email researchintegrity@wwu.edu or phone (360) 650-3334.