AUSTIN, Texas—Dr. Lisa Leiden has been named director of the newly created Office of Research Support and Compliance at The University of Texas at Austin. Spokesmen for UT Austin’s Office of the Vice President for Research said the appointment takes effect in June.
Leiden, who earned a Ph.D. from UT Austin in educational psychology, has been administrative coordinator of the Institutional Review Board (IRB) at the University of Florida. She also currently serves as the IRB chairperson.
The new office has been designed to provide training and support for faculty members, researchers, students and staff in regulatory requirements for medical and scientific research. The goal of the office is to provide a single point of contact where UT Austin researchers may seek guidance and help in complying with complex and changing federal requirements, as well as requirements involving safety issues.
Leiden will report to Dr. Sharon Brown, associate vice president for research. The office will be housed temporarily at the Psychology Annex Building on Speedway. When construction is completed, the Administration Annex Building will be the permanent location.
Dr. Juan Sanchez, UT Austin vice president for research, said: "I am very pleased that we were able to attract such a qualified director who is experienced in these important research issues. I am particularly impressed by Dr. Leiden’s effectiveness in supporting faculty in their efforts to meet the rapidly changing landscape of research compliance. Dr. Leiden brings a wealth of experience to the position, and I am pleased to provide this support for our faculty and researchers."
Leiden has more than 18 years of administrative experience, including experience in such areas as clinical research, program evaluation, faculty development and research regulatory requirements. Leiden and two staff members will work closely with the chairman and committee members of three federally mandated research committees overseeing research efforts at UT Austin. An important component of the new office and its staff will be the development of a comprehensive Web-based system for providing guidance.
For more information, contact Dr. Sharon Brown at (512) 471-2877.
