The Office of the Vice President for Research has announced the promotion of Caren Frost to Senior Associate Vice President for Research Integrity & Compliance, recognizing her leadership in strengthening the systems, guidance, and institutional support that help research move forward with rigor, accountability, and public trust.

Frost has served as Associate Vice President for Research Integrity & Compliance since December 1, 2021, leading the Office of Research Integrity & Compliance. She also serves as Associate Dean of Research for the College of Social Work.

“Dr. Frost understands something that’s easy to overlook.  Strong compliance and integrity practices aren’t a constraint on great research but what makes it possible,” said Erin Rothwell, Vice President for Research. “She’s done the hard, careful work of building policies and culture that researchers can actually trust. This promotion reflects how much that work matters and how well she’s done it.”

In her new role, Frost will continue to advance research integrity and compliance at the enterprise level, with a focus on strengthening support across the university’s many research settings. She sees this work as central to helping the university build a research environment that is not only highly productive, but also transparent, accountable, and responsive to the needs of researchers and research teams.

“I am so honored to be given this new role at the University of Utah,” Frost said. “Being a Senior Associate Vice President for Research Integrity & Compliance highlights the recognized importance of compliance and integrity in the research space at our institution. Serving in this role will allow me to focus on more enterprise-level activities as we consider how to strengthen our integrity and compliance activities for the whole institution.”

Frost said she is especially excited to ensure the Office of Research Integrity & Compliance continues to serve as a 1U office, supporting Main Campus, the Health Sciences Campus, Huntsman Cancer Institute, Primary Children’s Hospital, and the VA. She said that continued focus will help the office strengthen the integrity and compliance pillars that support research across the institution.

“I am most excited to ensure that the Office of Research Integrity & Compliance continues to serve as a 1U office,” Frost said. “All of the work that ORIC conducts is to provide ongoing support that meets federal, state, and university regulatory expectations. Transitioning into this leadership role will allow me to refocus our efforts in augmenting the integrity and compliance pillars of work at the University of Utah.”

Looking ahead, Frost sees continued opportunity to strengthen research by helping investigators and research teams navigate compliance requirements more effectively, allowing them to stay focused on discovery and impact.

“Assisting researchers in managing the compliance burden so they can emphasize their research is crucial,” Frost said. “This goal will help promote the University of Utah as a $1 billion in expenditures institution and ensure we arrive at the next level on the national stage.”

As Senior Associate Vice President for Research Integrity & Compliance, Frost will continue working to strengthen the frameworks, support systems, and partnerships that help Utah researchers conduct exceptional work with excellence and integrity.