By Xoel Cardenas, Sr. Communications Specialist, Office of the Vice President for Research

The University of Utah has a new face in research compliance leadership: Dr. Ademuyiwa Aromolaran, investigator within the Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research Training institute (CVRTI) and an Associate Professor of Surgery, was recently named Assistant Vice President for Compliance. He also serves as the Chairperson of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC).

In this role, he’ll work closely with the Office of Animal Care and Compliance (OACC), Vice President for Research Erin Rothwell, and Associate VP for Research Integrity & Compliance Caren Frost to support researchers while ensuring compliance and ethical standards in animal studies.

For Dr. Aromolaran, the role is about more than policies and procedures. It’s about helping scientists succeed and keeping the bigger picture in focus.

“My role is really to bridge that gap between compliance, regulations, as well as doing amazing research,” he said. “Ultimately, the benefit is patient care.”

Excited for the Challenge

Aromolaran admitted taking on this leadership role is both exciting and a little daunting.

“It is somewhat scary, but it’s also very exciting because you get to know more about yourself, your abilities, and what you’re able to achieve,” he said. “Ultimately, it’s about working together. It’s not about us—it’s about achieving a goal.”

That goal: Helping researchers push forward while keeping the process transparent, collaborative, and compliant.

Priorities and Vision

As he begins his new role, Dr. Aromolaran’s immediate focus is on education and collaboration.

“The immediate priority really is to figure out ways to help scientists anticipate compliance challenges and design stronger protocols from the start.” he said. “Give them the knowledge they require to develop their research in ways that they can stay compliant and follow the rules. Some scientists may not always be aware of what they need when developing protocols. Consultation with both the veterinarians and the Office of Animal Care and Compliance is very important. I want to try to figure out ways to educate the scientists in positive ways that will help them develop a better approach.

“As the Assistant Vice President of Compliance, my objectives are very clear. You don’t want to blur the lines. Everybody knows what they have to do. So long as we cultivate a relationship with mutual respect, we’ll be able to move forward with the research.”

“Dr. Aromolaran really understands what researchers need—and how compliance can work for them, not against them,” said Caren Frost, Associate VP for Research Integrity & Compliance. “He brings an enthusiastic openness and a partnership mindset that will make a big difference for our research community.

Supporting U Research’s Mission

Dr. Aromolaran sees his role as essential to the U Research’s mission. By streamlining compliance processes and supporting researchers, he hopes to remove barriers that often slow down discovery.

“The Vice President for Research is counting on me to support funding, promote research, and avoid unnecessary delays,” he said. “When compliance processes are clear and efficient, researchers can focus more on discovery, turning ideas into impact.”

“Our job is to make it easier for researchers to do great work,” said Erin Rothwell, Vice President for Research. “Dr. Aromolaran understands that compliance isn’t about slowing things down—it’s about building trust, improving efficiency, and helping science move forward with purpose.”

Collaboration is Key

When asked how he will work with faculty, staff, and other stakeholders to strengthen research programs and compliance efforts, Aromolaran said collaboration is vital.

“We need to continue to encourage and support collaborative efforts that sustain the highest level of ethical standards of animal care and use, as well as strict adherence to regulatory and compliance efforts,” he said. “Our efforts are likely to be rewarded with novel mechanistic insights that will inform the rational development of more effective therapeutic interventions.”

Building Relationships for Better Research

For Dr. Aromolaran, the most exciting part of his new role and responsibilities is the human aspect of it.

“What I’m really excited about is the interactions. Meeting new people, talking to more people, cultivating trust,” he said. “I want people to enjoy doing their science again, to do what they really want to do while also being compliant. Change is difficult, but I’m excited about this challenge.”

With a focus on collaboration, education, and trust, Dr. Ademuyiwa Aromolaran is ready to help the U’s research community keep moving forward.

What This Means for You

• Smoother Approvals
  Refined processes aim to reduce administrative friction—so you can move from protocol submission to project launch with greater ease and clarity.
• Collaborative Guidance
  Faculty are encouraged to engage early with veterinary and compliance teams to strengthen research design and ensure smooth reviews.
• Clarity & Confidence
  Expect more transparency, consistent communication, and educational support to help you navigate compliance requirements with confidence.
• Compliance as an Enabler
  The new approach frames compliance not as a hurdle, but as a partner—clearing the path for impactful, ethical research.

Let’s Connect Early

Planning a new study or updating your protocol? Reach out before you submit. The Office of Animal Care and Compliance and the Research Compliance team are here to support you from the start—minimizing delays, reducing revisions, and helping you stay focused on the science.

📩 Questions or need guidance? Contact the Office of Research Integrity and Compliance.