Global Fellows Workshop Prepares Faculty to Navigate IRB and International Research Compliance

Faculty fellows participate in a Global Fellows Program workshop at the University of Florida International Center.

Global Fellows engage with IRB and RISC experts to discuss the regulatory nuances of their upcoming international field research.

The University of Florida’s Global Fellows Program recently hosted Workshop 3, “How to Get the Help You Need and Successfully Navigate the IRB, Export Controls, and Other International Research Requirements.” The session equipped faculty fellows with practical guidance to navigate the regulatory landscape of international research, helping ensure their projects are both impactful and fully compliant with institutional and federal requirements.

Partnering with the IRB

The workshop opened with a deep dive into the Institutional Review Board (IRB) process, led by Dr. Ivana Simic, Associate Director of the Institutional Review Boards; Tonia Toon, Assistant Director; and Dr. Kim Walsh-Childers, Chair of IRB02 (Social Science/Behavioral/Non-Medical). Tailoring the discussion to the fellows’ international research projects, the presenters outlined key elements of the IRB process.

The IRB team clarified that all faculty must have UF IRB approval before conducting any research involving humans, their tissue, or their data anywhere in the world, and encouraged fellows to consult with staff early in the pre-submission phase, particularly when navigating foreign regulations or culturally specific research contexts that may require adapting standard procedures. Early consultation, they noted, can help researchers avoid delays and design studies that meet ethical standards across multiple jurisdictions.

“The IRB is not a barrier to research; it is a partner in protecting participants and strengthening the integrity of scholarship,” said Dr. Simic.

Export Controls and Research Security

The second half of the workshop focused on international research compliance and export controls, led by Compliance Manager, Stacy Beck, and Compliance Analyst, Megan Renick, from UF Research Integrity, Security & Compliance (RISC). The session clarified a common misconception: export controls do not apply only to shipping or hand-carrying items abroad. Export controls can be triggered by a wide variety of circumstances, including by certain activities within the United States. “Federal, state, and institutional regulations are dynamic, and compliance requirements change frequently,” Beck said. She explained that the UF RISC office helps faculty navigate issues ranging from researcher screening and hosting international scholars to reviewing requests to take or ship UF equipment abroad. “We encourage faculty planning international research to contact our office early so we can help ensure their collaborations meet all applicable requirements,” she added. Understanding these requirements is important not just for university compliance but also for helping faculty members be able to conduct their research. Early engagement with compliance offices can help researchers protect intellectual property, receive timely assistance with regulatory requirements, and build stronger, more sustainable international partnerships.

Presenter discusses research integrity and compliance topics during a Global Fellows Program workshop.

Supporting Responsible International Research

Throughout the workshop, presenters emphasized that compliance is an essential component of responsible global scholarship. When integrated early in the research process, ethical review and regulatory planning enable faculty to conduct international research confidently while protecting participants, collaborators, and the integrity of their work and the institution.

Through the Global Fellows workshop series, faculty gain access to campus expertise, practical guidance, and peer connections to navigate the complexities of international research.

This year, the University of Florida International Center (UFIC) awarded 18 Global Fellows seed grants to faculty whose proposals were selected for their originality and potential impact. Each fellowship includes a $5,000 grant to support early-stage international research activities such as exploratory fieldwork, meetings with international collaborators, preliminary data collection, and access to specialized resources not available at UF. In addition to seed funding, fellows participate in an orientation session, a six-part workshop series, and a final symposium, where they present their international research proposals, followed by an expert panel discussion on the challenges and opportunities of international research.

Learn more about the Global Fellows Program and follow UFIC for upcoming workshop highlights and cohort milestones.