Research Integrity
Responsible & Ethical Conduct of Research (RCR/RECR)
Responsible conduct of research (RCR) is defined by NIH as "the practice of scientific investigation with integrity." It involves the knowledge 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. Therefore, education in the responsible and ethical conduct of research is considered essential in the preparation of future scientists.
National Science Foundation (NSF) Requirements
The National Science Foundation requires institutions that apply for financial assistance for science and engineering research or education certify that they have a plan in place to provide appropriate training and oversight in the responsible and ethical conduct of research.
Effective July 31, 2023, NSF has implemented new requirements for training in the responsible and ethical conduct of research. The requirement now applies to undergraduate students, graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, faculty, and other senior personnel who will be supported by NSF to conduct research. NSF has also expanded the training topics, which must now include mentor training and mentorship.
Training
The following content areas are typically included in Responsible Conduct of Research education:
- Authorship and publication
- Data acquisition and management
- Mentorship and mentor training (required by NSF)
- Peer review
- Collaborative research
- Research misconduct
- Scientific rigor and reproducibility
- Protection of human subjects
- Welfare of laboratory animals
- Conflicts of interest and Conflicts of commitment
- Safe and inclusive research environments – harassment, bullying, and inappropriate behavior
- Scientists as responsible members of society
All undergraduates, graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, faculty, and other senior personnel supported by NSF to conduct research must complete the CITI online course in Responsible Conduct of Research.
Access to CITI Training
To Complete CITI Training:
- Choose "California Lutheran University" as your institution.
- Click on "Learner Tools" and then "Add a Course".
- Under Select Curriculum, answer Question 6 for the Responsible Conduct of Research Course. All other questions will be checked "No", "Not at this Time", or left unchecked.
- You have the option to complete one of several versions of the training (e.g., Biomedical, Social/Behavioral, etc.). Select whichever version is closest to your research area.
- Complete the required modules and associated quizzes. You may re-review the modules and repeat and quizzes to attain the overall passing score of 80%.
- Upon successful completion of the modules and quizzes, print a copy of your completion report/certificate for your records.
The CITI RCR training course must be completed within 30 days of notification by the Office of Sponsored Research and Projects and before participating in any research funded by NSF. The CITI RCR refresher training course is required every four years for those actively supported by NSF.
National Institutes of Health (NIH) Requirements
NIH 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 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."
A significant portion of the RCR training must be completed in-person; online-only instruction is not acceptable.
Please work with the Research Protections Office and the Office for Sponsored Research and Projects prior to submitting a RCR plan to NIH.