Core to ORI’s mission is to help institutions foster a research environment that promotes research integrity and the responsible conduct of research. ORI co-sponsored events contribute to this mission by providing education, training, and/or the opportunity for discussion related to topics such as handling allegations of research misconduct and fostering research integrity and the responsible conduct of research.
Each year, ORI co-sponsors a limited number of events with non-federal institutions to advance research integrity across the scientific research enterprise. In order to participate in these events:
- Co-sponsors demonstrate that they are dedicated and experienced in the responsible conduct of research and addressing allegations of research misconduct.
- Co-sponsors commit to participate significantly in these events.
ORI co-sponsors events based on the fiscal year calendar, which falls between October 1 the previous year and September 30. Potential co-sponsors can apply throughout the year.
ORI co-sponsored events are typically moderate in size, accepting between 20 and 150 attendees convened in person or virtually for one to three days.
How to Apply:
To apply for a co-sponsored event, a non-federal institution (or group) can submit an application providing:
- A one-to-two paragraph statement expressing why ORI should select this institution, including the institution’s leadership, based on the institution’s work in research integrity and the responsible conduct of research.
- An outline that covers 7 topics:
- The entity's interest and goals in promoting research integrity and/or the responsible conduct of research.
- The entity's prior experience and current readiness to undertake the responsibilities described above.
- The type of event(s) that the entity is interested in co-sponsoring with ORI.
- Facilities available for the event(s), including the distance from the facilities to a major airport.
- Any current constraints with respect to dates or facilities.
- Whether the entity has co-sponsored an ORI Event in the past 36 months.
- Whether the entity has any cases, allegations, or other related matters pending with ORI.
The application must be one to two pages in at least 11 point font.
ORI evaluates co-sponsorship applications based on:
- Qualifications and capability to fulfill co-sponsorship responsibilities.
- Suitability of the location of the proposed event in terms of the overall geographical distribution of recent or planned ORI events.
- Potential for engaging an adequate number of attendees.
- Availability and description of facilities needed to support the event.
- Availability of administrative support for the logistics of hosting such events.
Please note: Co-sponsors work directly with ORI staff to jointly develop an event. Co-sponsors may charge registration fees to recover the costs of the event but must not set fees higher than the amount necessary to recover those costs. Co-sponsors are responsible for collecting and handling any registration fees. Additionally, co-sponsors may not serve only as a funding source or logistical support provider.
If selected, the duties of the co-sponsor will be outlined in a co-sponsorship agreement with ORI that will set forth the details of the co-sponsored event, including the requirements that any fees collected by the co-sponsor shall be limited to the amount necessary to cover the co-sponsor's event-related expenses. This co-sponsorship agreement does not represent an endorsement by ORI of an individual co-sponsor's policies, positions, or activities.
For more information on the upcoming ORI co-sponsorship opportunities, stakeholders can reach out to ORIComms@hhs.gov or AskORI@hhs.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What types of events does ORI co-sponsor?
- ORI co-sponsors conferences, workshops, symposia, roundtables, Research Integrity Officer (RIO) Boot Camps, and similar educational events.
2. What is the purpose of ORI co-sponsored events?
- ORI events support education and outreach related to:
- Promoting research integrity.
- Teaching the responsible conduct of research.
- Preventing research misconduct.
- Responding effectively to allegations of research misconduct.
- These activities support ORI’s responsibilities under 42 CFR Part 93.
3. What is the typical size and format of an ORI event?
- ORI events typically:
- Serve 20 to 150 participants.
- Last one to three days.
- Are held in person, virtually, or in a hybrid format.
4. Who may apply to co-sponsor an ORI event?
- Non-federal public and private organizations may apply. This includes universities, research institutions, professional associations, and other organizations with experience in research integrity.
5. What qualifications are required?
- The organization must:
- Demonstrate interest and experience in promoting research integrity or handling research misconduct allegations, and
- Participate substantively in planning and delivering the event.
- Organizations may not serve only as a funding source or logistical support provider.
6. What does ORI provide?
- ORI:
- Works with the co-sponsor to develop the agenda,
- Provides subject matter expertise and speakers,
- Reviews content to ensure alignment with ORI’s mission, and
- Participates in event delivery.
7. Can the co-sponsor charge registration fees?
- Yes. The co-sponsor may charge registration fees to recover event-related costs. Fees must not exceed the amount necessary to cover those costs. The co-sponsor is responsible for collecting and managing all fees.
8. How do institutions apply?
- Submit an application by email to ORIComms@hhs.gov or AskORI@hhs.gov with “Co-sponsorship for ORI Event” in the subject line.
- Applications may be submitted year-round.
9. What should the application include?
- The application should:
- Be one to two pages, single-spaced in at least 11 point font.
- Include one to two paragraphs explaining why ORI should select your organization.
- Include a bulleted outline addressing:
- Your organization’s goals related to research integrity and/or the responsible conduct of research.
- Your experience and readiness to co-sponsor.
- The type of event you propose.
- Available facilities and proximity to a major airport.
- Any scheduling constraints.
- Whether you have co-sponsored an ORI event in the past 36 months.
- Whether your organization has any cases or related matters pending with ORI.
10. How does ORI select co-sponsors?
- After initial discussions, ORI considers:
- Qualifications and ability to fulfill co-sponsorship responsibilities.
- Geographic distribution of recent or planned ORI events.
- Ability to attract and engage participants.
- Suitability of facilities.
- Availability of administrative and logistical support.
11. Is there a limit to how many events ORI co-sponsors each year?
- Yes. ORI co-sponsors a limited number of events each year based on staffing capacity and resources.
12. What is included in the co-sponsorship agreement?
- The agreement outlines:
- Roles and responsibilities
- Event details
- Fee limitations
- Confidentiality provisions
- Other legal terms
- The agreement does not represent endorsement by ORI of a co-sponsor’s policies, positions, or activities.
13. Who can I contact for more information?
- Email ORIComms@hhs.gov or AskORI@hhs.gov with questions.
- You may also contact: Chenelle Johnson, Program Analyst, Office of Research Integrity 202-205-9985
