Which of the following statements is true regarding the regulations that govern research?

The statement that U.S. funded research collaborations are often governed by U.S. regulations no matter where the research takes place is accurate because of the way federal funding mechanisms are structured. When research is funded through U.S. federal grants, the stipulations and regulations that accompany that funding apply regardless of the location of the research activities. This includes adherence to ethical standards, safety regulations, and requirements for the treatment of human and animal subjects. Consequently, U.S. regulatory frameworks—such as those enforced by the Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)—remain in effect to ensure the integrity and ethical conduct of the research, thus providing a consistent regulatory environment for the protection of subjects, compliance with ethical standards, and the credibility of research findings.

Research conducted by U.S. institutions or researchers, whether domestic or international, must adhere to these guidelines to maintain eligibility for funding and to uphold the standards set by the institutional review boards (IRBs) overseeing the research. This consistent application of regulations helps to safeguard participants and enhance the validity of the research, promoting responsible scientific practices on a global scale.