What is the PAVE Program?

Support beyond protocol Approval

The Post-Approval Verification & Education (PAVE) Program at The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) is founded on the principle that research compliance is a continuous process, one that extends well beyond initial protocol approval.

While securing approval from UTEP’s oversight committees (IACUC, IBC, and IRB) is an essential first step, sustained support throughout the life of the study is vital to ensuring ongoing compliance, maintaining ethical integrity, and upholding alignment with the approved protocol.

The PAVE Program recognizes that research is inherently complex and that unexpected challenges can emerge at any stage. In response, it offers proactive, collegial support to help investigators stay confident in their work and aligned with institutional and regulatory expectations.

As part of its post-approval monitoring activities, the PAVE Unit conducts post-approval evaluations of active, committee-approved research protocols. These evaluations are designed to be collaborative and educational—never punitive—with the goal of confirming that research activities remain consistent with what was approved. When needed, the program provides constructive feedback and connects research teams with relevant resources to support compliance and improve operational practices.

• A respectful, collaborative, and educational approach
• Confirmation of alignment between research activities and approved protocols
• Constructive feedback tailored to the specific study
• Follow-up support and practical resources for continuous improvement
• Equitable application across all IACUC-, IBC-, and IRB-approved studies

PAVE’s post-approval evaluations apply to all active research protocols reviewed and approved by UTEP’s IACUC, IBC, and IRB. The program does not address issues related to research misconduct or integrity, scientific merit, personnel performance, financial management, or legal matters. These concerns are managed through other institutional offices and procedures.

As part of its post-approval education component, the PAVE Program offers tailored training, guidance, and practical tools to support researchers in understanding and meeting regulatory requirements throughout the life of their studies. Educational efforts are designed to address common compliance challenges, clarify expectations, and empower investigators and their teams to engage in responsible and effective research practices.

The PAVE Program is founded on collaboration, working hand-in-hand with researchers, oversight committees, and institutional leaders to ensure all research at UTEP is conducted with a shared commitment to safety, ethical responsibility, and excellence. Engagement with the PAVE Program empowers the scientific community to contribute to scientific advancement, while protecting the integrity of the work and the trust of those it serves.