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Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR)

Texas State University is committed to conducting research in an ethical and responsible way. We are dedicated to instilling in our community a shared understanding of, and adherence to, the principles of responsible conduct of research.

Research Integrity and Compliance is here to assist our researchers in furthering their awareness of responsible conduct of research (RCR) topics and to address requirements of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA NIFA).

Students, postdocs, faculty, and staff who participate in research at Texas State University may be required to participate in Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) training as part of their participation in federally sponsored research or as required in undergraduate or graduate research training programs. The Principal Investigator is responsible for ensuring compliance with any specific requirements of the grant or contract and for ensuring that all personnel associated with the research also comply with such policies.

  • The Division of Research administers the Responsible Conduct of Research Certification Program by upholding requirements set forth by granting bodies. The RCR Certificate Program is designed to satisfy federal regulations that require RCR training as a part of grant or contract terms and conditions. RCR introduces and reinforces ethical principles to guide the performance of scientific research activities. While RCR requirements may differ by study, or funding agency, by combining engaging and relevant live in-person zoom sessions and challenging on-line modules, the Texas State RCR program is designed to satisfy requirements of all funding agencies including National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA).

    REQUIRED TRAINING   
    Must complete the CITI training in the Responsible Conduct for Research. Please be sure to login using the LOG IN THROUGH MY ORGANIZATION option ; Attending 8 workshops from the RCR Brown Bag lecture series

FEDERAL REQUIREMENTS

Recipients of awards from the National Science Foundation (NSF), National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the United States Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA NIFA) are required to comply with specific requirements to ensure appropriate training in the responsible conduct of research.

  • The RCR training is fully online and must be completed with 30 days of the notice of award date or the date that you begin working on a NSF supported project. RCR training is required under the America COMPETES (America Creating Opportunities to Meaningfully Promote Excellence in Technology, Education, and Science) Act. Additionally, in response to the CHIPS and Science ACT of 2022, the National Science Foundation has amended their grants policies. For all NSF proposals submitted after July 23, 2023, Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research (RECR formerly RCR) training is mandated for all undergraduate students, graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, faculty, and other senior personnel.

    This new mandate replaces the existing RCR policy and expands the training requirement to faculty and other senior personnel. Additionally, the new requirement mandates that the RCR training also covers mentor training and mentorship.

    REQUIRED TRAINING    
    All students, postdocs, faculty and other senior personnel supported by an NSF project must complete, at a minimum, CITI training in the Responsible Conduct for Research. Please be sure to login using the LOG IN THROUGH MY ORGANIZATION option.

  • PHS/NIH requires substantial face-to-face discussions; a combination of didactic and small-group discussions; and participation of research training faculty members in instruction for all trainees, participants, and scholars receiving support.

    NIH policy requires participation in and successful completion of instruction in responsible conduct of research by individuals supported by any NIH training/research education/fellowship/career award. It is expected that course attendance is monitored and that a certificate or documentation of participation is available upon course completion.

    REQUIRED TRAINING       
    The RCR training is partially online and must begin within 30 days of the notice of award date or the date that you begin working on a NIH supported project. All undergraduate students, graduate students, and postdoctoral scholars are required to complete the following:

  • The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) mandates that program directors, faculty, undergraduate students, graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and any staff participating in the research project receive appropriate training and oversight in the responsible and ethical conduct of research.

    REQUIRED TRAINING   
    The RCR training is fully online and must be completed within 30 days of the notice of award date or the date that you begin working on a USDA NIFA supported project. All students, postdocs, faculty and other senior personnel supported by an NSF project must complete, at a minimum, CITI training in the Responsible Conduct for Research. Please be sure to login using the LOG IN THROUGH MY ORGANIZATION option.


Frequently asked Questions

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