Human Subjects Protection and Code of Ethics

Westat’s Institutional Review Board

The Westat Institutional Review Board (IRB) is a specially constituted committee established to protect the rights and welfare of human subjects who participate in Westat projects. The IRB operates under procedures set forth in the regulations of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and in the Federalwide Assurance (FWA) granted to Westat by the Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP).

The IRB ensures that our studies receive the highest level of review in human subject protections. It includes internal and external representatives from diverse backgrounds with expertise ranging from statistics and social psychology to medicine and environmental research, ensuring that study protocols across a range of substantive areas reflect best practices in the protections of our study participants. The Westat IRB and research staff receive ongoing training on the protection of human subjects in research as well as other pertinent trainings such as research misconduct and HIPAA-related privacy and security.

 IRB approval is required before research may begin, continue, or be changed by the research team. Additionally, the Westat IRB may periodically monitor research to ensure that it is conducted as it was approved to protect human subjects as well as to adhere to all applicable Federal, state, and local laws.

Ethics and Code of Conduct

Westat conducts all of our business activities with the highest degree of integrity and honesty and in compliance with all legal requirements in every location where we operate. These include the laws and regulations of the federal government, such as the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), as well as those of state and local jurisdictions. Each of our employees, agents, and contractors is expected to be aware of and abide by the provisions of our Code of Conduct and Ethics policy.

Financial Conflict of Interest

As a professional research corporation, Westat is committed to protecting the integrity and objectivity of our research activities by ensuring that the design, conduct, and reporting of research will not be biased or appear to be biased by a personal financial conflict of interest. Westat has implemented this policy to identify, manage, reduce, or eliminate financial conflicts of interest. Financial Conflicts of Interest (PDF).