Per DoDI3216.02_DAFI40-402, Protection of Human Subjects and Adherence to Ethical Standards in Department of the Air Force Supported Research, all DoD personnel involved in the conduct, review, or approval of research involving human subjects must receive initial and continuing education and training in compliance with the standards set forth by USD(R&E) in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering Memorandum, Minimum Education Requirements for DAF Personnel Involved in Human Research Protection, August 16, 2012 (a.k.a., the "MERF").
DAF Component Office of Human Research Protections (COHRP) policy is to accept from any engaged DoD institution any Human Research Protection Programs training certificate documenting compliance with the MERF standards; duplicate local human research protections training is not required.
Human research training provided by non-DoD Institutions for investigators will generally be accepted, but must have been completed within the last three (3) years.
DAF Human Research Ethics training can be accessed at the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative website. Contact the DAF COHRP for guidance on accessing and completing the appropriate course.
DAF COHRP provides additional training on the following topics:
- Human Research Protection Official
- Exemption Determination Official
Contact the DAF COHRP directly if your institution requires training for these personnel.