Rush University has been re-accredited by the Association for the Accreditation of Human Research Protection Programs (AAHRPP) as of December 2025. AAHRPP is a non-profit organization that evaluates and accredits Human Research Protection Programs (HRPP) to ensure they meet high standards for participant safety and research quality.
Bethany Martell, MBA, vice president of Research Operations and CRA at Rush, stated, “The Rush research community and administrative team have a strong commitment to creating an environment where innovative ideas can thrive. Attaining this accreditation reflects Rush’s dedication to excellence and commitment to being a leader in innovation through research.”
There are 248 institutions accredited by AAHRPP worldwide. In the Chicago area, Rush University is one of only three institutions with this recognition. The university first received accreditation in 2012 and has maintained it through successful re-accreditation every five years.
Accreditation requires meeting standards in three main areas: organization, institutional review board, and researcher/research staff. Institutions must provide evidence through documentation, policies, standard operating procedures, and interviews with representatives from each domain. This process reinforces Rush’s commitment to quality research practices and helps build trust between researchers and participants.
John Cobb, director of Institutional Review Board Administration at Rush, said, “Receiving accreditation from AAHRPP would not have been possible without the support from the Rush research community. I am grateful for their significant contributions, outstanding commitment and invaluable support in advancing Rush’s research mission.”
Rush University Medical Center is located in Chicago, Illinois. Founded in 1837, it serves as both a hospital—including a pediatric ward—and a training facility for medical professionals. Its current president is Dr. Omar Lateef.
More information about Rush University’s Human Subjects Protection Division can be found on its website.
