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VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System Research Services

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Research & Development Committee


BACKGROUND

The research mission of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is conducted primarily within individual VA medical facilities according to the highest ethical standards, with accountability to all involved stakeholders. An R&D Committee (RDC) at each facility oversees the maintenance of high standards within VA’s research program and ensures that VA research is scientifically valid and complies with regulatory and ethical standards.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE R&D COMMITTEE

The R&D Committee assists the medical center Director in fulfilling responsibilities for the facility’s research program. The R&D Committee is responsible for ensuring the effective operation of the research program through oversight of the R&D Committee’s subcommittees and making appropriate recommendations, including space and resource needs, to the medical center Director based on the Committee’s oversight and evaluation of the research program.

R&D COMMITTEE RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE REVIEW OF RESEARCH

The R&D Committee is responsible for establishing policy to ensure that all research in which the facility is to be engaged has been reviewed and approved for the ethical use of human subjects, animals, and biohazards.


The RDC reviews the scientific merit and clinical impact of all research projects.  The sub-committees (IRB, IACUC, SRS) which oversee the research protocols, report to the RDC.  RDC approval is required before any research can commence.  All submissions to the RDC are now completed in AAROW.

The RDC is made up of AAVAHS investigators and research personnel, appointed by the AAVAHS Director, who volunteer their time to undertake this essential work. Membership requirements are outlined in VHA Handbook 1200.01 - R&D Committee's Responsibilities and Operations.

Any investigator interested in serving on the committee is welcome to contact Dr. William Weitzel, the Associate Chief of Staff for Research, for further information.

R&D Committee meets the 1st Wednesday of every month. For more information, see the 'Help' section of AAROW, Guidance Documents & Resources and Policies or contact the RDC Coordinator for further guidance.