On Research - with CITI Program

Research Ethics for All: Expanding Access to Research Ethics Education - On Research Podcast

This episode explores how accessible research ethics education can support more meaningful participation in research. Dr. Katherine McDonald and Dr. Ariel Schwartz discuss the development of Research Ethics For All, a training program created with and for people with developmental disabilities, and examine how accessible ethics education can strengthen understanding, trust, inclusion, and ethical research partnerships. The episode also features research partner and steering committee member Jacob Meyers, who shares his perspective on the value of including people with disabilities as members of research teams. Together, the guests highlight the responsibilities of researchers, IRBs, and institutions in ensuring that all research partners have the knowledge and support needed to contribute effectively. Notes: On Campus – A CITI Program Podcast - https://www.buzzsprout.com/1896915/ Research Ethics for All – A CITI Program Course - https://about.citiprogram.org/course/research-ethics-for-all-re4all/ CITI Program’s course catalog: https://about.citiprogram.org/course-catalog

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The Belmont Report at Belmont: Voices of Research Ethics - On Research Podcast

In this special episode of On Research, host Alexa McClellan travels to Belmont Manor and Historic Park in Howard County, Maryland—the site where the Belmont Report was drafted nearly 50 years ago. Through conversations with regulators, research professionals, IRB leaders, research participants, and descendants of those impacted by the Tuskegee Syphilis Study, this episode explores the lasting influence of the Belmont Report's principles of Respect for Persons, Beneficence, and Justice. Join us as we reflect on the history that shaped modern human research protections, examine the role of trust and trustworthiness in research today, and consider why the Belmont Report remains as relevant as ever. Notes: On Tech Ethics – A CITI Program Podcast - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2120643 Bioethics – A CITI Program Course - https://about.citiprogram.org/course/bioethics/ CITI Program’s course catalog: https://about.citiprogram.org/course-catalog

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Beyond Persistence: How Early-Career Scientists Can Thrive - On Research Podcast

In this episode of On Research, host Alexa McClellan speaks with Jim Gould, Director of Postdoctoral Affairs at Harvard Medical School and co-host of Propelling Careers, about what it takes for early-career scientists to thrive in today’s research environment. Together, they explore funding uncertainty, burnout, career flexibility, resilience, mentorship, and the skills researchers need to build sustainable and fulfilling careers. Whether you're a trainee, postdoc, or research professional, this conversation offers practical insights for navigating change while maintaining purpose and research integrity. Notes: Propelling Careers Podcast – https://open.spotify.com/show/6zaZCQ7lScgHepGl0D7LFq Protocol Development & Execution: Beyond a Concept – A CITI Program Course - https://about.citiprogram.org/course/protocol-development-execution-beyond-a-concept/ On Campus – A CITI Program Podcast - https://www.buzzsprout.com/1896915/ CITI Program’s course catalog: https://about.citiprogram.org/course-catalog

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Hope, Uncertainty, and the Future of Science - On Research Podcast

In a moment of uncertainty across the research landscape, what does it mean to lead with clarity, integrity, and hope? In this episode of On Research, Dr. Josh Fessel shares insights from his experience at the NIH to unpack shifting federal priorities, growing instability, and the real risks of inaction. Together, we explore how researchers and institutions can navigate change, rebuild trust, and stay grounded in science’s core purpose: serving people. Thoughtful, timely, and ultimately hopeful—this conversation offers a roadmap for moving forward when the path isn’t clear. Notes: Conflict Management – A CITI Program Course - https://about.citiprogram.org/course/conflict-management/ On Tech Ethics – A CITI Program Podcast - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2120643 CITI Program’s course catalog: https://about.citiprogram.org/course-catalog

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Protecting Innovation: COGR’s Guidance on Research Security for Tech Transfer - On Research Podcast

Technology transfer offices are increasingly on the front lines of research security—and the rules are changing fast. In this episode of On Research, we’re joined by Allen DiPalma and Kevin Wozniak from the Council on Governmental Relations (COGR) to unpack COGR’s Research Security Guidance for Technology Transfer and what it means for protecting innovation while still supporting collaboration. Notes: Council on Governmental Relations (COGR). 2025. “Research Security Regulations: Practical Considerations for Technology Transfer Professionals.” - https://www.cogr.edu/sites/default/files/2025-11/Research%20Security%20Regulations%20Practical%20Considerations.pdf Technology Transfer – A CITI Program Course - https://about.citiprogram.org/course/technology-transfer/ On Campus – A CITI Program Podcast - https://www.buzzsprout.com/1896915/ CITI Program’s course catalog: https://about.citiprogram.org/course-catalog 

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Rethinking Child Assent Practices - On Research Podcast

What does meaningful child assent really look like in research? In this episode of On Research, host Alexa McClellan speaks with Dr. David Coker about rethinking child assent beyond procedural compliance. Drawing on his recent scholarship, Dr. Coker explores gaps in current practices, regulatory tensions, inclusion of children with disabilities, and the role of IRBs in supporting assent as a developmentally appropriate, ethical process. The conversation challenges researchers to move from collecting assent as a formality to practicing it as a genuine expression of respect for children’s autonomy and voice. Notes: Coker, David C, Ketaki Inamdar, Daniel F. McCleary, and Lesley Cottrell. 2025. “Child Assent Practices in Research: Improving Ethics, Decision-Making, and Inclusivity.” Journal of Educational Research & Practice. 15:1-24. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1492202.pdf Qualitative Data Analysis – A CITI Program Course - https://about.citiprogram.org/course/qualitative-data-analysis/ On Tech Ethics – A CITI Program Podcast - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2120643 CITI Program’s course catalog: https://about.citiprogram.org/course-catalog

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When Research Ends: Institutional Responsibility, Participant Protection, and Research Integrity - On Research Podcast

When studies end abruptly, the ethical responsibilities don’t disappear. Dr. Brandon Brown joins host Alexa McClellan to examine institutional responsibility, participant protection, and research integrity when research is terminated unexpectedly—and what the end of a study reveals about trust in the research enterprise. Notes: Dr. Brandon Brown. “Your Study Is Terminated: Researchers Need to Prepare Participants.” The Hastings Center for Bioethics. November 19, 2025. https://www.thehastingscenter.org/your-study-is-terminated-researchers-need-to-prepare-participants/ On Campus – A CITI Program Podcast - https://www.buzzsprout.com/1896915/ Disaster Response and Research Reactivation – A CITI Program Course - https://about.citiprogram.org/course/disaster-response-and-research-reactivation/ Dr. Brandon Brown’s CITI Program Author Page - https://about.citiprogram.org/authors/brandon-brown-mph-phd/ CITI Program’s course catalog: https://about.citiprogram.org/course-catalog

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Opening Doors in STEM: Service Dogs, Advocacy, and Research Accessibility - On Research Podcast

In this episode of On Research, we explore how service dogs and advocacy are transforming accessibility for scientists with disability in STEM. Guests Joey Ramp-Adams and Madeline Jones share their lived experiences, discuss barriers in laboratory environments, and highlight how inclusive practices can create more equitable pathways in research. Notes: Sampsons Legacy Foundation - https://sampsonslegacyfoundation.com/ Working with Dogs in Research Settings – A CITI Program course - https://about.citiprogram.org/course/working-with-dogs-in-research-settings/ On Tech Ethics – A CITI Program Podcast - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2120643 CITI Program’s course catalog: https://about.citiprogram.org/course-catalog

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Smart Tech, Smarter Questions: AI in Biomedical Research - On Research Podcast

As artificial intelligence accelerates its influence on medicine and science, the real challenge is no longer whether AI is worth its cost—but how we choose to use it. In this episode, Dr. Catherine Bielick and Dr. Leo Anthony Celi examine how AI is transforming biomedical research and medical education, exposing deep flaws in legacy systems while offering a chance to rethink how knowledge is created, taught, and governed. Notes: On Campus – A CITI Program Podcast - https://www.buzzsprout.com/1896915/ CITI Program’s course catalog: https://about.citiprogram.org/course-catalog

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2025 PRIM&R Annual Conference Roundup - On Research Podcast

In this episode of On Research, we talk with attendees, presenters, and exhibitors who were at the 2025 PRIM&R Annual Conference in Baltimore about key takeaways, emerging themes, and what this year’s conference reveals about where research and ethics compliance is headed next. Notes: PRIM&R - https://primr.org/ On Tech Ethics – A CITI Program Podcast - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2120643 CITI Program’s course catalog: https://about.citiprogram.org/course-catalog 

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Ethics, Innovation, and the Future of Animal Research - On Research Podcast

In this episode of On Research, we talk with Dr. Megan LaFollette, Executive Director of the 3Rs Collaborative, about the practical applications of Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement, emerging animal model alternatives, and how federal initiatives are shaping the future of science. Notes: The 3Rs Collaborative: https://3rc.org/ The 3Rs Certificate Course: https://about.citiprogram.org/course/3rs-certificate-course/ On Campus – A CITI Program Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1896915/ CITI Program’s course catalog: https://about.citiprogram.org/course-catalog 

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Black Women in Clinical Research: Building Community and Breaking Barriers - On Research Podcast

In this episode, we talk with Danielle Mitchell, CEO and founder of Black Women in Clinical Research (BWICR), a professional organization dedicated to empowering, supporting, and connecting Black women working in clinical research through mentorship, networking, and career development opportunities. Notes: Black Women in Clinical Research (BWICR) - https://bwicr.com/ On Tech Ethics – A CITI Program Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2120643 CITI Program’s course catalog: https://about.citiprogram.org/course-catalog

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The NIH Mandate for Posting IBC Minutes: Guidance for Institutions - On Research Podcast

Guest host Dr. Anne Hawkinsbadge (CITI Program) and Dr. Regina Allen (Virginia Tech) discuss the NIH’s new requirement for Institutional Biosafety Committees (IBCs) to post approved meeting minutes online, effective June 1. They explore how institutions can comply, while also examining the role, membership, and importance of IBCs in research compliance and safety. Notes: National Institutes of Health (NIH) “NOT-OD-25-082: Implementation Update: Promoting Maximal Transparency Under the NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules” https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-25-082.html On Campus – A CITI Program Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1896915 CITI Program – Biosafety and Biosecurity Course Catalog https://about.citiprogram.org/courses/?fwp_series=242&fwp_sort_courses=popularity

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Navigating the Ethics of Insect Research: Sentience, Welfare, and Scientific Responsibility - On Research Podcast

They outnumber us by the quintillions. They’re used in research across genetics, behavior, ecology, neuroscience—even robotics. But when it comes to ethics and welfare, insects are often left out of the conversation. Can they feel pain? What responsibilities do researchers have to them? This episode of On Research explores big ethical questions about our smallest research subjects. Our guests are Dr. Meghan Barrett (Indiana University Indianapolis) and Dr. Bob Fischer (Texas State University), co-founders of the Insect Welfare Research Society. For links to studies, references, and further reading, please visit the CITI Program blog - https://about.citiprogram.org/blog/on-research-podcast-navigating-the-ethics-of-insect-research-sentience-welfare-and-scientific-responsibility/ Notes: Clarification at 14:32 by Barrett: There are direct connections between sensory integrative brain regions and connections from the nociceptors to the sensory integrative brain regions (but that these are, necessarily, not direct.) Consistent with the Indiana University Statement of Policy on Institutional Neutrality, the comments by Barrett contained in this communication are solely her own and such comments and content are not intended to be construed, and shall not be construed, as the views of Indiana University or comments made on behalf of or by Indiana University. Additional resources: Working with Insects in Research Settings – A CITI Program Course https://about.citiprogram.org/course/working-with-insects-in-research-settings/ On Tech Ethics – A CITI Program Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2120643

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Building Trust in Science: The Essential Role of Research Integrity Officers - On Research Podcast

Today we’re stepping behind the scenes into a critical – but often invisible – part of the research world: maintaining integrity. Joining us is Dr. Courtney Karmelita, Executive Director of Ethical Research and Outreach at Penn State. In today's conversation, we'll talk about what really happens when concerns are raised, how institutions handle research misconduct investigations, the challenges of navigating gray areas, and why a culture of integrity matters now more than ever. Additional resources: Interested in learning more about research integrity? Register for CITI Program’s free live webinar “I’m a new RIO, what do I do now?” on July 9. https://about.citiprogram.org/news/free-live-webinar-im-a-new-rio-what-do-i-do-now/ On Campus – A CITI Program Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1896915/ CITI Program Course Catalog: https://about.citiprogram.org/courses/

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Engaging with Online Communities: Ethical Considerations for Researchers - On Research Podcast

How do we responsibly study digital communities without violating their trust? Where do we draw the line between research and interference? Joining us today is Dr. Sarah Gilbert, a research associate at Cornell University and research director of the Citizens and Technology Lab. Her work focuses on supporting healthy online communities, including how online data can be reused ethically. Together, we'll unpack the CMV subreddit case, explore how current research norms are being tested in real time, and ask what a more transparent future might look like. Additional resources:  Research papers about ethical research on Reddit: Remember the Human: A Systematic Review of Ethical Considerations in Reddit Research - https://dl.acm.org/doi/abs/10.1145/3633070 Cross-Platform user expectations for social media data reuse - https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/20539517231164108 Guides: Association for Internet Researchers: Internet Research: Ethical Guidelines 3.0 - https://aoir.org/ethics/ PERVADE Data Ethics Tool - https://pervade.umd.edu/pervade-data-ethics-tool/ AskHistorians Policy for Researchers using r/AskHistorians in Research - https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1iu4otk/meta_new_policy_for_researchers_using/ Excavating awareness and power in data science: A manifesto for trustworthy pervasive data research - https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/20539517211040759 Beyond the Individual: A Community-Engaged Framework for Ethical Online Community Research - https://arxiv.org/pdf/2503.13752 Tool for large-scale disclosure: Procedural and Substantive Ethics in the Design of Research Ethics Systems - https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/20563051221077021

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CITI Program Turns 25: A Celebration of Commitment to Research Integrity - On Research Podcast

Today’s episode is a celebration of CITI Program’s 25th anniversary. We talk with a panel of long-time employees, including Jaime Arango, Vice President of Content and Education, Daniel Smith, Director of Content and Education, and Adiper Bello, Director of Operations and Support, about the history of CITI Program, key milestones in the company, and where CITI Program is headed. Additional resources: CITI Program timeline: https://about.citiprogram.org/get-to-know-citi-program/

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Community Engagement in Research - On Research Podcast

Join us for a fascinating discussion with Dr. Jeremy Rossman, a researcher of 25 years, virologist, and President of a non-profit aimed at creating lasting and sustainable community development in research worldwide. We take a deep dive into community engagement in research; what it means, the challenges and opportunities, and why it’s so important. Jeremy does a wonderful job of explaining community engagement from all sides, whether you’re the researcher, the community involved in the research, or the funding agency; it really takes all parties involved to work collaboratively towards improving research. A special thank you to Cynthia Bellas for helping produce this episode! Guest Bio: Dr. Jeremy Rossman is a virologist, President of the non-profit organization Research-Aid Networks, and an Honorary Senior Lecturer in Virology at the University of Kent. Dr. Rossman has conducted collaborative interdisciplinary research on the molecular biology of pandemic-causing viruses, international epidemic responses, evidence-based humanitarian aid and science education. Research-aid networks facilitate collaborative and evidence-based approaches for assessing need, delivering aid, evaluating effectiveness, and achieving equitable, long-term, sustainable community development worldwide. Additional Resources: Dr. Rossman’s Non-Profit Research-Aid Networks - https://researchaidnetworks.org/ NIH Community Engagement Alliance - https://ceal.nih.gov/ Long-COVID Patient-Led Research Collaborative - https://patientresearchcovid19.com/ Learn more about HRP Consulting here - https://thehrpconsultinggroup.com/ Learn more about CITI Program at about.citiprogram.org.

Dual Use Research of Concern Policy - On Research Podcast

Join us for a fascinating discussion about the recently updated Dual Use Research of Concern policy. There was so much to cover that I brought in two experts – one as my co-host and the other as our guest. If you don’t know much about Dual Use Research of Concern, this conversation will be a fantastic primer. We discuss what Dual Use means, the policy updates, how these updates could impact your research institution, and why all of this matters. Also of note, we recorded this episode a couple of weeks ago, in the midst of the many executive orders impacting research. Anne and Melissa do share their thoughts on how you should move forward in this gray area we’ve all found ourselves in, but we always encourage folks to stay up to date as much as possible on the evolving landscape. Additional Resources: DURC Policy released May 2024, effective May 2025 - https://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/USG-Policy-for-Oversight-of-DURC-and-PEPP.pdf Implementation Guidance for DURC policy - https://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/USG-DURC-PEPP-Implementation-Guidance.pdf Learn more about HRP Consulting: https://thehrpconsultinggroup.com/ Learn more about CITI Program at about.citiprogram.org.  Guest Bios: Melissa James – Guest – Melissa is the BSL-3 Facility Manager for Yale University with 12+ years of high containment experience, including establishing and maintaining compliance with the Federal Select Agent Program. Her degrees in biology and Homeland Security and RBP credentials position her to share her vast knowledge and experience with others in the field. Anne Hawkinsbadge – Guest Host – Anne is the Assistant Director of EHS. She is a Certified Safety Professional, Certified Healthcare Safety Professional, Certified Healthcare Emergency Professional, and a Chemist with the American Society of Clinical Pathology. Her work experience includes healthcare, auto manufacturing, pharmaceutical, academia, worker compensation insurance, and chemical manufacturing.

Coverage Analysis in Clinical Research - On Research Podcast

Join us for episode 1 of season 3 as we explore an essential compliance topic: coverage analysis. It’s a complicated process, but lucky for us, we have Andra Popa. Andra is an expert with nearly two decades of experience in healthcare law, compliance, and coverage analysis. As one of the first in the industry to provide coverage analysis, Andra walks us through the intricate details of the process, including why it’s so important and the consequences if you don’t have a proper coverage analysis process in place. Additional Resources: Local Coverage Determinations CMS - https://www.cms.gov/medicare/coverage/determination-process/local National Coverage Determinations CMS - https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/search-results.aspx?keyword=nat&areaId=all&docType=NCD Thorny Medicare Coverage Issues article by Andra Popa - https://compliancecosmos.org/thorny-medicare-coverage-issues Learn more about HRP Consulting here: https://thehrpconsultinggroup.com/ Learn more about CITI Program at about.citiprogram.org. Guest Bio: Andra Popa is responsible for healthcare content at CITI Programs and was part of the first group to conduct Medicare Coverage Analyses. She owned a consulting firm that worked with over 40 healthcare entities to create, assess, audit, and monitor compliance programs, as well as to create educational programs. A graduate of Boston College with degrees in English and economics, she also has JD and LLM (healthcare law) degrees from Loyola University Chicago School of Law. She has published over 100 articles, written book chapters, and conducted workshops in design and compliance.