RCR

Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) Training

Training in responsible and ethical research practices is an integral part of preparing academic professionals to conduct research. The National Science Foundation (NSF), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) have requirements for training in the Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research (RECR)/Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR).

NSF

Effective July 31, 2023, proposals submitted to the NSF must include a plan to provide appropriate training and oversight in the responsible and ethical conduct of research to all undergraduate students, graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, faculty and senior personnel who will be supported by NSF to conduct research. Training must include mentor training and mentorship.

Who must complete training: Undergraduate students, graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, faculty and senior personnel

Deadline: 60 days post award notification

NIH

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.  This applies to the following NIH activity codes:  D43, D71, F05, F30, F31, F32, F33, F34, F37, F38, K01, K02, K05, K07, K08, K12, K18, K22, K23, K24, K25, K26, K30, K99/R00, KL1, KL2, R25, R36, T15, T32, T34, T35, T36, T37, T90/R90, TL1, TU2, and U2R.  This policy also applies to any other NIH-funded programs supporting research training, career development, or research education that require instruction in responsible conduct of research as stated in the relevant funding opportunity announcements.

Who must complete training: Trainees, fellows, scholars, participants

Deadline: 60 days post award notification

*In addition, an eight-hour face-to-face training is required for those receiving NIH funding.

NIFA

NIFA states that “institutions that conduct USDA-funded extramural research must foster an atmosphere conducive to research integrity…. By accepting a NIFA award the grantee assures that program directors, faculty, undergraduate students, graduate students, postdoctoral, researchers, and any staff participating in the research project receive appropriate training” in the responsible and ethical conduct of research.

Who Must Complete Training: Program directors, faculty, undergraduate students, graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and any staff participating in the research project

Deadline: 60 days post award notification

How to register for CITI

You can register by clicking this link. Specific instructions with screenshots are available here.

  • Please note that the research office requires a minimum score of 80% on the final score and the scores of all the individual modules.
  • All modules do not have to be completed during a single online session. To re-enter the course, remember to SAVE your username and password.
  • After completing your course, save a copy of the Completion Report for your records and route it to your faculty member/project PI.

If you have questions about RCR/RECR training requirements, please contact Graduate Studies & Research at research@qqzhangui.com.