Duke Research Support Offices

Duke Collaborative Offices Involved in Clinical Research

Duke Office of Clinical Research (DOCR)

DOCR is a School of Medicine entity that provides oversight and creates the institution wide policies for research conduct. DOCR provides many resources including training, project coordination, database development, etc.

Office of Research Contracts (ORC)
The ORC is responsible for the School of Medicine’s research-related interactions with commercial entities including clinical trials, non-clinical sponsored research, material transfers, and other related endeavors.  In addition, it holds intellectual property management responsibilities, particularly in the context of that arising from, or closely associated with, commercially sponsored research projects.

Office of Research Administration (ORA)
The ORA is responsible for supporting investigators and administrators in the Schools of Medicine and Nursing by managing externally sponsored research projects through the pre-award process.

Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP)
The OSP safeguards project funds, maximizes the University’s cash flow position, maintains good relations with sponsoring agencies and University personnel, facilitates the progress of sponsored projects for principal investigators and department administrators, and establishes fund codes.

Research Costing Compliance (RCC)
RCC serves as the primary resource for financial research compliance management, providing oversight and guidance to the university research community in the management of sponsored projects funding and the interpretation and communication of policy.

Office of Audit, Risk and Compliance (AORC)
The Office of Audit, Risk and Compliance ensures that the Schools of Medicine and Nursing conduct activities, whether related to education, research or clinical, in a manner that is both consistent with regulatory, statutory and common law, and reflective of the highest ethical standards.

Duke Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI)   
The Duke Clinical and Translational Institute catalyzes and accelerates the innovation and translation of scientific discoveries into health benefits for patients and communities through collaborative research. Through our NIH Clinical and Translational Science Award funding, our programs, project management and navigator services, and data sharing and informatics resources provide essential support to move ideas from the laboratory through early-phase clinical trials, and to facilitate education for current and future translational medicine researchers. 

Duke Clinical Research Institute (DCRI)
DCRI is the world’s largest academic clinical research organization (CRO) combining the expertise and academic leadership of a premier teaching hospital with the full-service operational capabilities of a major CRO.

Duke Early Phase Research Unit (DEPRU)
DEPRU combines clinical, analytical, and operational expertise to accelerate the availability of therapies, diagnostics, and medical devices to humans.  As part of the Duke Clinical Research Institute—the world’s largest academic research organization—the Early Phase team partners with pharmaceutical, biotech, medical device, government agencies, foundations, and academic centers to conduct a broad range of early phase studies.

The Office for Translation and Commercialization
MISSION: Through our partnerships with faculty, industry, entrepreneurs and investors, ensure that Duke innovations reach the marketplace for the benefit of society and to enable future investment in Duke research and innovation