Conference Grants: This program seeks to support the planning and execution of conferences and workshops that promote the responsible conduct of research and disseminate research findings on research integrity. We seek applications for projects to plan and implement conferences or workshops aimed at supporting the dissemination of knowledge and strategies related to research integrity. Funding Opportunity Number: IR-ORI-26-002
Institution: Board of Trustees of Northern Illinois University
PI: Shannon Stoker, J.D.
Project Title: The Future of Research Integrity: AI, Open Science, and Partnerships
Abstract: This project hosts The Future of Research Integrity: AI, Open Science, and Partnerships, a one-day conference that brings together research compliance staff, research administrators, faculty, students, and others to share practical ways to promote responsible research without adding unnecessary administrative burden. Through four interactive sessions led by subject-matter experts, participants will explore how compliance and sponsored programs offices can work together, how to use artificial intelligence responsibly in research, how to provide effective research integrity education for international students and scholars, and how open science and responsible sharing of results can strengthen public trust. The conference will also include group discussions and networking. Afterward, the team will share conference materials, a summary report, evaluation findings, and a published paper with recommendations, and will spread lessons learned and best practices through professional organizations and research administration networks so participants and others can apply them at their own institutions.
Institution: Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor UCLA Medical Center
PI: Rosemary Madnick, MBA
Project Title: Addressing Emerging Challenges in Research Integrity
Abstract: This project hosts Addressing Emerging Challenges in Research Integrity, a one-day conference led by the Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation to help emerging research institutions across Southern California strengthen their research integrity programs. The conference will bring together about 125 investigators, research administrators, research integrity and compliance professionals, and institutional leaders from independent research institutes, universities, academic medical centers, and biotechnology partners. Through keynotes, expert-led sessions, panels, and group discussions, participants will focus on three areas: artificial intelligence and research integrity; data management, data integrity, and responsible data sharing; and international collaborations and research security. Rather than each institution building its own policies and training from scratch, participants will share practical strategies and resources they can adapt for their own organizations. Afterward, the team will make presentations, implementation guides, reference materials, and recorded sessions available in an online resource library, along with evaluation findings and a final report.
Institution: Trustees of Indiana University
PI: Amy Waltz, J.D.
Project Title: Finding the Facts: Equipping RIOs and Committees for Effective Interviewing in Research Misconduct Proceedings
Abstract: This project hosts a two-day national workshop to help Research Integrity Officers (RIOs) build their skills in conducting interviews during research misconduct investigations and in preparing the faculty committees who carry out those investigations. Experienced RIOs, federal oversight officials, and professionals from other investigative fields will lead hands-on sessions on interview requirements under federal regulations, planning and question development, assessing credibility, documenting interviews, handling difficult situations, and cultural and interpersonal considerations. Participants will practice these skills using a case study created for the event. A highlight will be a live mock interview, in which an actor plays the subject of a misconduct investigation and panelists from different investigative backgrounds question them in real time, showing how different approaches shape what is learned. Within three months, the team will release a free training toolkit with interview strategies, best practices, and case-study materials that RIOs can use to train investigation committees at their own institutions, and will share lessons learned nationally.
