Research Policymaking
Research policy at UNC Chapel Hill supports ethical, rigorous, and responsible research across all disciplines. Policies protect research integrity, meet legal and regulatory requirements, and provide clear expectations for the research community.
This page helps you understand how research policies fit together and where to find the guidance you need.
- Search the University Policy Repository — University Policy Office
- Policy 101: How Does Policy Work at UNC-Chapel Hill? — University Policy Office
Research Policy Map
Research policies are organized into the categories below. Use this map to identify the policies most relevant to your work, or browse all research-related policies directly in the University Policy Repository.
- Animal Care and Use and IACUC – Ethical guidelines and oversight for the care, use, and treatment of animals in research.
- Clinical Research – Policies governing the conduct, oversight, and management of clinical research.
- Conflict of Interest – Disclosure and management of interests that could affect research objectivity.
- Human Research Ethics and IRB – Protection of human participants and Institutional Review Board oversight.
- International Research and Research Security – Global research compliance, export controls, foreign influence, and security requirements.
- Postdoctoral Affairs – Rights, responsibilities, training, and support for postdoctoral scholars.
- Research Integrity – Standards for responsible conduct of research and prevention of misconduct.
- Research Operations – Administrative and operational policies that support the research enterprise.
- Sponsored Programs – Policies related to grants, contracts, funding, and sponsor requirements.
Involved in developing or revising a research policy?
Learn how research policy is developed and supported at UNC Chapel Hill.
Policy Spotlight
Research Code of Conduct
The Research Code of Conduct sets the foundation for responsible research at UNC Chapel Hill. It defines shared expectations for integrity, accountability, and ethical decision-making across the research enterprise.
The Code of Conduct is implemented through two complementary documents:
- Research Code of Conduct Policy – Establishes the University’s high-level expectations for responsible research conduct.
- Research Code of Conduct Standard – Provides operational requirements and guidance to support implementation of the policy.
Who it applies to:
The Research Code of Conduct applies to all individuals engaged in research on behalf of UNC, including:
- Faculty,
- Staff,
- Students,
- Trainees,
- Visiting scholars,
- Collaborators, and
- Subcontractors.
Why it matters:
The Code of Conduct:
- Protects the integrity and credibility of UNC research
- Promotes public trust in research findings
- Establishes consistent expectations across disciplines and units
- Provides a common framework for addressing questions or concerns about research conduct
Where to begin:
Start with the Research Code of Conduct when on-boarding new personnel or reviewing University research policies. It provides a shared baseline for understanding research responsibilities at UNC.
Policy Resources
- University Policy Repository
The official system of record for all University policies, standards, and procedures. - Clinical Research Policy Matrices
A consolidated view of core policies, standards, and procedures applicable to clinical research at UNC. - Training and Resources — University Policy Office
Training, guidance, and tools provided by the University Policy Office to support policy development, review, and governance across the University. - Policy 101: Understanding University Policies (Video) — University Policy Office
A University Policy Office training video that introduces core concepts of University policies and standards and how they function within the University framework. - How to Subscribe to Policies — University Policy Office
A University Policy Office resource with instructions for receiving notifications when policies are created or updated in the Policy Repository.
Contact:
Jeanne Lovmo, MA | Director of Policy, Governance, and Process, UNC Research Policy Liaison
For policy support or questions, please reach out.