Conduct and Compliance Office Restructured

By Jane-Ellen Robinet

Issue Date:

June 1, 2015

Pitt has reorganized its Research Conduct and Compliance Office (RCCO) as its current leader, Vice Chancellor Randy Juhl, prepares to retire.

The changes will place the office under the organizational purview of the Provost’s Office, rather than the Office of the Chancellor. Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor Patricia E. Beeson has named George Huber as interim vice provost for research conduct and compliance, effective July 1. Huber is an associate dean for public policy and a professor of health policy and management in the Graduate School of Public Health. He is also the University’s associate research integrity officer.

Huber will succeed Juhl, who will retire later this summer after leading the RCCO for 13 years.

In a May 21, 2015, letter to faculty, Beeson wrote that following Juhl’s retirement plan announcement this spring, Chancellor Gallagher asked her to determine whether changes in the RCCO or its institutional location “could enhance the broader research enterprise at Pitt.”

“Thanks to the effective leadership of Vice Chancellor Juhl over the past 13 years, the University has in place a comprehensive set of programs that ensure the responsible conduct of research and compliance with the various regulations governing University research, while at the same time encouraging the innovation and creativity that is the hallmark of research at Pitt,” Beeson wrote.

“The new reporting relationship is intended to continue the strong commitment to compliance in conduct of research established under Vice Chancellor Juhl, while encouraging an even stronger alignment of our research and research conduct and compliance efforts,” she added.

Huber will work with Vice Provost for Research Mark Redfern to identify areas of synergy between research and research compliance and conduct, including educational programs.

Beeson said Huber was an “ideal choice” for the new interim leadership role, citing his experience at Pitt and UPMC, where he served as senior vice president and general counsel.