#United States #Washington, D.C. #AAHRPP #Human Research #Ethical Research

AAHRPP Grants Accreditation to Six Research Organizations

On December 22, 2025, the Association for the Accreditation of Human Research Protection Programs (AAHRPP) made a significant announcement regarding ethical standards in research. The organization has granted full accreditation to six new entities, including four located in the United States and one each in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. This latest round of accreditations highlights the growing commitment to ethical research practices worldwide.

The newly accredited organizations are as follows:

• - Ballad Health, Johnson City, TN
• - Bluebonnet Ethical Review, Lockhart, TX
• - King Saud University Medical City (KSUMC), Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
• - PureHealth Holding PJSC, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
• - Renown Health, Reno, NV
• - Dartmouth, Hanover, NH

Additionally, AAHRPP has recognized 16 organizations for reaccreditation. This not only underscores the commitment of these institutions to high standards of research ethics but also our collective pursuit of safeguarding research participants, who are pivotal for advancing medical discoveries.

Notably, Elyse I. Summers, the President and CEO of AAHRPP, commented, “Each accreditation and reaccreditation underscores the research community's recognition of the vital role AAHRPP standards play in advancing discovery through high-quality ethical research.” This sentiment echoes throughout the research landscape as organizations strive to uphold rigorous ethical standards.

The Importance of Accreditation

Achieving AAHRPP accreditation is no small feat. Organizations must demonstrate robust ethical safeguards integrated into every facet of their research operations. Adherence to high standards for research quality, coupled with a commitment to continuous improvement, is essential. Especially in today's increasingly interconnected research environment, possessing accreditation can provide both credibility and a competitive advantage.

The impact of accreditation is far-reaching. For researchers, it reassures them that their organizational practices align with best practices, thereby fostering a culture of integrity and ethical research. For participants, it means enhanced protections and more reliable research outcomes.

A Global Recognition

AAHRPP's influence is not confined to the United States. The organization has accredited over 600 research entities across multiple countries, including Australia, Canada, Japan, and the UAE, among others. This widespread recognition emphasizes the universal importance of ethical research practices.

In 2025 alone, a total of 10 new organizations received their first-time accreditation while 65 others were reaccredited. This commitment towards high ethical standards exemplifies the ongoing endeavor of the research community to enhance research quality globally.

Encouraging Participation

The AAHRPP encourages institutions that have not yet undergone the accreditation process to take this important step towards ensuring their research practices meet high ethical standards. “We encourage not-yet-accredited organizations to join us in pursuing one standard worldwide for research quality and protections,” added Summers.

To find out more about the accreditation process and the organizations involved, please visit AAHRPP’s official website. Their resources provide insight into the rigorous process of gaining accreditation and the ongoing benefits it brings to the research community as a whole.