Louisiana State University has appointed Sean Courtney to the inaugural position of associate vice president for research compliance, integrity, and analytics. In this dual role, Courtney will promote a culture of scholarly integrity and ensure all LSU research is conducted ethically, in a safe and productive environment, and in compliance with federal, state, and university policies. He will also provide guidance, information, and education to LSU researchers, staff, students, and leadership.

Courtney brings his “zest for regulatory affairs” to ensure “trustworthy scientific outcomes” from Purdue University, where he has served as senior compliance officer since 2019, following an extensive career in cancer research.

“I’m a hybrid—a researcher and a research administrator—and they require each other,” Courtney said. “When you sign a federal grant and take the money, it comes with a lot of responsibilities because there are federal rules and regulations we have to follow. My role is to get out and answer questions. Compliance is really about doing the right thing, but the rules change as society changes.”

Courtney will report to Vice President of Research & Economic Development Robert Twilley and will serve as LSU’s associate research integrity officer and research security officer.

“Ultimately, my job is about trust,” Courtney said. “I find people grow confidence when they find out there’s a research integrity officer in town, someone who will investigate and answer hard questions. I don’t have a problem with hard conversations. That’s what I do every day as a research integrity officer, and I want people engaged. Research under a land-grant premise, like at LSU and Purdue, is for the betterment of the state. I’m all for it.”

Courtney’s first visit to Louisiana was during his time as a student at Texas A&M, where he earned a Ph.D. in physiology with a concentration in genetics in 2013.

“I went to the Independence Bowl in Shreveport to lose to the Georgia Bulldogs 44-0, and until recently, that was my sole foray into Louisiana,” said Courtney, who is now looking forward to more Louisiana food and culture, and less snow.

“I feel like the research enterprise at LSU is growing and it’s going to be very exciting to be a part of that,” he added.