AAHRPP accredits University The Association for the Accreditation of Human Research Protection Programs, Inc. (AAHRPP) has announced the accreditation of two Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities since it won the $4.9 million contract just one year ago. In addition, the list of accredited institutions also includes three academic institutions, a Canadian research organization, and a U.S.-based research facility. “We are pleased to accredit two additional VA facilities since we took over the contract in December of last year,” said Marjorie A. Speers, Ph.D., executive director, AAHRPP. “In addition, we are pleased to accredit several firsts in their state and country, including New Jersey, New York, North Dakota as well as Canada. All of these institutions are nationally and internationally recognized for their extensive research programs and their commitment to human research protection.” Through the intensive accreditation process, organizations must be able to demonstrate that extensive safeguards are built into every level of their research operation. AAHRPP standards exceed federal regulation in two ways: the protections for research participants that the federal government requires only for federally sponsored or regulated research are extended to all research and AAHRPP requires additional protections, such as conflict of interest rules and community education. The rigorous accreditation process often results in system-wide improvements that provide greater protection for research participants and ensures the integrity of their research. Accreditation is valid for three years. The seven organizations join the growing list of research institutions nationwide already accredited by AAHRPP, which now includes 45 organizations with 127 entities. The list is comprised of organizations in the biomedical and behavioral and social sciences research fields, including community hospitals, teaching hospitals, independent review boards, research institutes, and universities. AAHRPP is currently working with nearly 400 additional organizations that are in the accreditation process. The Association for the Accreditation of Human Research Protection Programs, Inc. (AAHRPP), is a nonprofit organization that works with organizations that conduct human research to raise the level of protection for research participants. AAHRPP accredits organizations that can demonstrate they provide participant safeguards that surpass the threshold of state and federal requirements. The accreditation program utilizes a voluntary, peer-driven, educational model. For organizations interested in learning more about AAHRPP accreditation, visit www.aahrpp.org.