Responsible Conduct of Research

Responsible conduct of research (RCR) is essential for conducting good science. RCR promotes the aims of scientific inquiry and fosters a research environment that enables scientists to work together toward common goals and promotes public confidence in scientific knowledge and progress for the public good. RCR enables the practice of scientific investigation with integrity, building the awareness and application of established professional norms and ethical principles in the performance of all activities related to scientific research.

Ethical and responsible conduct of research is critical for excellence, as well as public trust, in science and engineering. Consequently, education in the responsible and ethical conduct of research is considered essential in the preparation of future scientists and engineers. Several national research organizations emphasize RCR. Texas A&M-San Antonio, as a part of the Texas A&M University system, is committed to training and providing resources to ensure all stakeholders are trained and made aware of the Institution’s enduring commitment to ensure the long-term professional development of current and future generations of researchers and scientists.

National Science Foundation (NSF) Requirements

Background
The America COMPETES Act of 2007 directed that the NSF require that each institution that applies for financial assistance for science and engineering research or education certify that the institution has a plan to provide appropriate training and oversight in the responsible and ethical conduct of research to undergraduates, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers who will be supported by NSF. While training plans are not required to be included in proposals submitted to NSF, institutions are advised that they are subject to review upon request.

In response to this requirement, the NSF published a revision to its NSF Proposal & Award Policies and Procedures Guide requiring that beginning January 4, 2010, institutions must certify that, at the time of proposal submission, the institution has a plan to provide appropriate training and oversight in the responsible and ethical conduct of research to undergraduates, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers who are supported by NSF. Texas A&M- SA has developed a Training Plan that complies with this NSF requirement.

New NSF requirements

Effective July 31, 2023, NSF has implemented new requirements for training in the responsible and ethical conduct of research. Previously, this training was only required for students and postdoctoral scholars. Faculty and other senior personnel supported by NSF to conduct research are now required to complete this training. Everyone required to complete this training will be asked to complete online CITI training. NSF has also expanded the training topics, which must now include mentor training and mentorship.

Training

Undergraduate Students

For undergraduate students supported by NSF grants, principal investigators will be responsible for ensuring that these students read a handout and complete the training when involved in RCR.

All undergraduates, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers supported by the National Science Foundation must complete mandatory RCR training, CITI training and read the handout.

Graduate Students
For graduate students and post docs, the RCR training program will involve three mandatory components: 1)Train Traq RCR training, 2) CITI RCR training, and 3) One-on-one mentoring from the faculty advisor.

Postdoctoral Scholars, Researchers, and Faculty Members

A combination of Train Traq courses, CITI courses, and in person sessions are required for Postdoctoral scholars, researchers and faculty members. Refer to the RCR Training Document here for more information.

Information to enroll in CITI can be found here. Individuals who may have used CITI for previous trainings can use their existing username and password to access the site and add the RCR course to their course completion history.

Content Areas

In several presentations, NSF has indicated the following content areas could be included in responsible conduct of research education:

Data Acquisition, Management, Sharing and Ownership
Publication Practices and Responsible Authorship
Mentor/Trainee Responsibilities
Peer Review
Collaborative Research
Time Management and Personal Responsibility
Research Misconduct
Conflict of Interest and Commitment
Whistleblowing
Dispute Resolution
You and the Literature
Lab Note Books and Graphical Presentation of Data
Data Ownership and Inventions
Posters and Oral Presentations
Attending Scientific Meetings
Writing Grant Proposals/Obtaining Funding
Writing a Research Article
Peer Review, Problem Selection and Problem solving
Legal Issues in Research and Research Misconduct
Teaching Skills
Job Skills and Life After Grad School and Postdoc Appointments

National Institutes of Health (NIH) Requirements

On Nov. 24, 2009, NIH updated its policy for instruction of trainees in the responsible conduct of research. The new updated policy states:

"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 policy will take effect with all new and renewal applications submitted on or after January 25, 2010, and for all continuation (Type 5) applications with deadlines on or after January 1, 2011. This Notice applies to the following programs: 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 requires instruction in responsible conduct of research as stated in the relevant funding opportunity announcements."

Please work with the Office of Research Compliance (rani.muthukrishnan@tamusa.edu) prior to submitting a RCR plan to NIH
NIH Resources on Training in the Responsible Conduct of Research
NIH NOT-OD-22-055 – FY 2022 Updated Guidance: Requirement for Instruction in the Responsible Conduct of Research

Resources