What's New

Updated and new guidelines and policies

Amazon MTurk to Be Discontinued September 30, 2026

Amazon has announced that Mechanical Turk (MTurk) will be discontinued on September 30. SDSU investigators who use MTurk for participant recruitment, survey administration, data collection, or participant payments should begin preparing for the platform’s closure. Investigators with active studies involving MTurk should:

Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) Training

Strengthen your commitment to ethical, rigorous, and responsible research by participating in SDSU's Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) Training. Designed for faculty, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers, this interactive, NIH-compliant program, led by Dr. Stanley Maloy, explores real-world case studies and best practices in research integrity, authorship, data management, mentoring, conflicts of interest, peer review, and scientific rigor. View the flyer for session dates, location, and registration information.

New Research Misconduct Policy Effective January 1, 2026

The SDSU Policies and Procedures for Addressing Allegations of Research Misconduct have been finalized and will take effect January 1, 2026.

This policy applies to all individuals engaged in research under the auspices of SDSU, including faculty, staff, students, and visiting scholars. It establishes clear procedures for reporting, assessing, and addressing allegations of research misconduct, defined as fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism in proposing, performing, reviewing, or reporting research results.

SDSU Research Misconduct Policy

Expedited Review of Retrospective Analysis of Identifiable Data

This policy explains when the SDSU Institutional Review Board (IRB) may use expedited review procedures for research involving the retrospective analysis of identifiable data from prior research studies. The policy is aligned with expedited review provisions under 45 CFR 46.110.

New SDSU Drone Policy in Effect

There is a new university policy regarding the acquisition and use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), also known as drones. The policy is effective immediately, beginning on December 4, 2025. We appreciate your cooperation in helping the University and SDSU Research Foundation navigate the evolving regulatory landscape.

Drone in the sunset

Participant Withdrawal Policy

Designed for SDSU investigators and research personnel, this policy explains the procedures and requirements for managing participant withdrawal from human subjects research studies. It covers investigator responsibilities, participant data handling, and compliance considerations for federally funded and FDA-regulated clinical trials.

Revised SOP for IVIS Imaging of BSL-1 and BSL-2 Specimens

The Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the Perkin Elmer In Vivo Imaging System (IVIS) Spectrum has been updated as of January 2025. All IVIS users must review the revised SOP before scheduling imaging sessions. Please contact the IVIS manager for orientation, training, or questions.

  • Clarified approval and training requirements for IVIS users.
  • Revised procedures for animal preparation and transport to NLS 26B.
  • Strengthened biosafety practices for separate BSL-1 and BSL-2 workspaces, including expanded use of the XIC-3 isolation chamber
  • Updated anesthesia and imaging workflows for both BSL-1 and BSL-2 specimens.
  • Enhanced post-imaging decontamination protocols to maintain safety and equipment integrity.
  • SOP for use of IVIS to image BSL-1 or BSL-2 Specimens in NLS 26B

NIH Animal Welfare Guidance for Investigators

NIH reminds investigators conducting research with live vertebrate animals to comply with applicable animal welfare requirements, including IACUC oversight and institutional assurance obligations. Resources, guidance, and training materials are available through the NIH Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW) to support compliance and the humane care and use of animals in research.