Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) refers to the conduct of scientific investigation and practice with specific focus on integrity and ethical standards. Responsible and ethical conduct of research is a fundamental value upon which scientific inquiry and discovery are founded. Therefore, appropriate education and training in RCR is essential preparation of future scientists.

Signpost with ethics, respect, code, honesty and integrity signs on it. Image by 3D Generator
The Office of Research Integrity oversees the education of faculty, staff and students on the issues of responsible conduct of research.
Instruction areas of RCR education include:
  • Acquisition, Management, Sharing and Ownership of Data
  • Animal Welfare
  • Authorship/Plagiarism
  • Collaboration
  • Conflict of Interest
  • Human Subject Protections
  • Mentoring
  • Peer Review
  • Research Misconduct

National Science Foundation

The National Science Foundation (NSF) requires all faculty and other senior personnel named on the proposal, as well as all undergraduates, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers who participate in NSF-funded projects, receive instruction and oversight in the responsible and ethical conduct of research (RCR training).

National Institutes of Health

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) requires that all trainees, fellows, participants and scholars receiving support through any NIH training, career development award (individual or institutional), research education grant, and dissertation research grant must receive instruction in responsible conduct of research (RCR training). This includes a minimum of eight contact hours of discussion-based education.