Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR)
The responsible and ethical conduct of research is critical for excellence, as well as public trust, in science and engineering. Consequently, education in the responsible conduct of research (RCR) is considered essential in the preparation of future scientists and engineers.
RCR is not only focused on ensuring reproducibility and reliability, but also promoting practices that ensure a healthy, collaborative research environment. RCR involves the awareness and application of established professional norms and ethical principles in the performance of all activities related to scientific research.
Objectives of the RCR training Program
- Encourage best practices in the conduct of research and scientific investigations;
- Develop the ability to navigate complex ethical issues;
- Conduct peer review with the highest ethical standards;
- Protect proprietary information and intellectual property from inappropriate disclosure;
- Appropriately disclose and manage potential conflicts of interest;
- Foster healthy mentor/mentee relationships that enable researchers at all levels to work collaboratively.
Agency RCR Requirements
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Effective July 31, 2023, RCR* training is required for all researchers (undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, faculty and other senior personnel) receiving support from NSF. Completing CITI’s RCR training course with a focus on Biomedical, Social and Behavioral Research, Physical Science or Humanities fulfills the Investigator requirements for NSF sponsored programs.
* The NSF uses the term Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research (RECR). NDSU uses RCR and RECR interchangeably.
United States Department of Agriculture - National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA-NIFA)
USDA-NIFA requires, in advance of participation, completion of RCR training by all program directors, faculty, undergraduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and any staff participating in the awarded research project. Completing CITI’s RCR training module for USDA-NIFA projects fulfills this requirement. Documentation of training must be maintained and provided to NIFA upon request.
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
The 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/or dissertation research grant, or as stated in the relevant funding opportunity announcement, must receive instruction in responsible conduct of research.
While NIH recognizes that online courses can be a valuable supplement to formal instruction in RCR, eight (8) hours of face-to-face discussion-based training is required. Personnel supported by applicable NIH awards shall complete the appropriate CITI RCR course prior to engaging in NIH supported research. Discussion-based training may be completed over the course of the first year of participation in an applicable award. Investigators may satisfy requirements for discussion-based training by enrolling in MICR 720 Scientific Integrity, or participating in other training developed by the Principal Investigator or other RCR experts. Contact the RIC office to develop and register a plan for completion the discussion-based training.
Online CITI Training
Online training is available through the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI). Complete the Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) course most relevant to your area of research or funding source.
NDSU Single Sign On to CITI Training
How to set up your CITI Account
Need technical support? Contact CITI toll-free at 888.529.5929 or support@citiprogram.org.
Resources
Case study videos are available through the US Department of Health and Human Services Office of Research Integrity describing potential research integrity concerns/issues and how to address. These short videos are great learning tools, and can be used to supplement online training.
Questions?
Contact Kristy Shirley, Research Integrity & Compliance Manager, 701-231-8995 or kristy.shirley@ndsu.edu.
