The Association of Research Integrity Officers (ARIO) evolved from an informal grassroots organization, beginning in 2013 among U.S. institutional Research Integrity Officers (RIOs), legal counsel, and related professionals dedicated to promoting research integrity. Since its inception, ARIO has grown significantly, hosting annual conferences at leading academic institutions, expanding its network to include over 450 contacts from more than 275 institutions, and incorporating as a nonprofit organization in 2016. The association fosters collaboration, information sharing, and professional development through regional groups, annual conferences, and targeted educational workshops.
ARIO's organizational structure features a board of directors, standing committees (Finance, Nominating, Education and Program, Communications), and officers drawn from prominent research institutions. Membership is structured in tiers, offering various levels of participation and conference discounts, with additional options for regional engagement. Key benefits include networking, professional support, and access to educational and informational resources. ARIO aims to serve as an open forum for discussion on RIO matters, enable collective action and decision-making, support academic research, and ensure the organization’s sustainable growth, ultimately enhancing the handling of research misconduct and promoting institutional best practices across the research community.
