Partner Elizabeth J. McEvoy will be speaking at the Massachusetts Society for Medical Research’s The Three I’s (IACUC, IBC & IRB): Biosecurity & Research Integrity™ — Promoting the Responsible Conduct of Research, Partnership, Ethics, Best Practices and the Exploration of Current Trends conference. The first and only event designed to address the needs and concerns of security professionals, IACUCs, IBCs and IRBs.
In a presentation titled, Harassment and Hostility in Research: How to Navigate Claims of Sexual Harassment and Hostile Work Environment in a Federally-Funded Environment, Elizabeth will cover the following:
Federal funders have made no secret that, no matter a person’s title or position, harassment and inappropriate conduct will not be tolerated. Over the past five years, National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Science Foundation (NSF) have renewed their respective commitments to maintaining hostile-free work environments. Since NIH’s launch of its Anti-Harassment Program in 2018 accompanied by highly-publicized remarks by Mike Lauer, research organizations have been under heightened scrutiny to identify and address potential workplace harassment and hostility – oftentimes under the threat of litigation or repayment to the government. The government’s heightened focus on grantee organizations has created a high-stakes environment, rendering each decision more vital to the health of the institution.
We will discuss the expectations of research institutions to respond to complaints of bias, discrimination, sexual harassment, bullying, and other claim of hostility by their Principal Investigator or their institution. As well as when and how an institution can investigate and how to insulate themselves from future liability when such claims surface.