Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) Training
RCR Quick Links
RCR for Undergrad Students
RCR for Grad Students and Postdocs
UW RCR Training Contacts
- Undergraduate Students
For questions related to whether you are required to take RCR training, consult your Faculty Supervisor
For questions related to CMDITR RCR material or orientation to the modules, please contact the undergraduate research program urp@u.washington.edu
- Graduate Students
Contact your Graduate Program Advisor
- Postdoctoral Researchers
Contact your Departmental Administrator
RCR Training Requirement Questions and Answers
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When do I need to take the course again?
The UW currently does not have a requirement for the RCR course to be taken more than once. -
Do NSF Fellows have to take RCR training?
NSF Fellows conducting research at the University of Washington who are directly supported from salary or stipends paid by NSF are required to take RCR training. -
What proposals are impacted by the NSF requirement?
RCR training is required for those students and postdocs engaged in research who are directly supported from salary or stipends paid by NSF and are working on projects for proposals that are submitted ON OR AFTER January 4, 2010. -
Who gives me access / provides the username and password?
For CITI and CMDITR, creating a username and password is a self-registration process. -
If I’m a student, what department should I report as being affiliated with?
Report your department with which your PI on the NSF grant is affiliated. -
How much time do I have to complete the RCR trainings in their entirety?
The expectation is that you complete the trainings within three months of starting the training. -
Do PIs need to document in their proposals that RCR training will be provided?
PIs do not need to document anything in the proposal on RCR training. The University assures NSF that training is provided when submitting a proposal and it has the signature of the institutional official. -
Are PIs, other faculty working on NSF grants, or staff required to take RCR training?
The RCR training requirement is limited to students and postdocs directly supported from salary or stipends paid by NSF who are working on research projects, so faculty are not required to complete the RCR training. -
If I’m volunteering my time on an NSF specific project or am participating in a NSF supported project for course credit, am I required to take RCR training?
No. Only students and postodocs who are directly supported from salary or stipends paid by NSF and conducting research are subject to the RCR training requirement. -
If a UW PI is conducting research supported by an NSF grant and the PI is working with a non-US student who is volunteering effort on the grant and working in Europe, does this student need to complete the RCR Training?
Only UW students and postdocs directly supported from salary or stipends paid by NSF have to take RCR training through University of Washington. -
If I am an individual who has transferred from another institution where an RCR requirement was in place, will any prior training be accepted by the UW, or will I have to take the RCR training required and offered by UW?
If you are a UW student or post-doc receiving funding from NSF, you are required to complete RCR training while at the UW. Previous RCR training completions may not be used to meet the UW requirement. -
Does NSF have a Responsible Conduct of Research Frequently Asked Questions webpage?
NSF recently updated the "Responsible Conduct of Research Frequently Asked Questions" website on August 16, 2010.
National Science Foundation (NSF) RESPONSIBLE CONDUCT OF RESEARCH (RCR) TRAINING REQUIREMENT *
All University of Washington (UW) students and postdoctoral researchers supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF) are required to complete Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) training in response to America COMPETES Act, section 7009. However, the RCR training required by the University of Washington differs for undergraduate students versus graduate students and postdoctoral researchers.
* This RCR training does NOT meet NIH's educational requirement for research trainees to take Responsible Conduct of Research training (offered through the Biomedical Research Integrity Program).
OVERVIEW
RCR Training is intended to help sensitize the university research community to the wide range of ethical and professional issues that must be considered to ensure a climate of research integrity.
Per H. R. 2272, section 7009 of the "America COMPETES Act," and the NSF Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide (Grant Proposal Guide and Award and Administration Guide), RCR training is now required for all National Science Foundation (NSF) supported...
- undergraduate students,
- graduate students, and
- post doctoral researchers.
DIFFERENCE in RCR TRAINING between CMDITR and CITI
In response to the NSF RCR training requirement, the UW Office of Research now offers RCR training through CMDITR and CITI, on-line services providing research ethics education to all members of the research community.
- CMDITR RCR training is a standardized RCR program covering a broad range of disciplines to meet sponsor requirements. The program is accessible to undergraduates with less prior experience in research, and is designed with the goal of teaching important key concepts and providing thoughtful educational feedback to users. Instructions for registering and completing CMDITR RCR Training.
- CITI RCR training is a multi-faceted standardized RCR program to meet sponsor requirements and expand the UW?s commitment to provide UW graduate students and post docs with an exceptional academic experience. Instructions for registering and completing CITI RCR training.
OBJECTIVES OF RCR TRAINING
- Encourage best practices in the conduct of research and scientific investigations.
- Foster an ability to recognize an ethical choice and the ability to make a principled decision.
- Provide accessible educational opportunities and resources designed to help students and postdoctoral researchers meet the America COMPETES Act Responsible Conduct of Research training requirements.
NSF vs. NIH RCR requirements
NSF RCR training requirements differ from NIH training requirements in that NSF requires that any student or postdoctoral researcher supported by NSF receive RCR training. NIH requires only those individuals receiving training grants to undergo RCR training. UW offers RCR training that meets NIH RCR training requirements through the UW Biomedical Research Integrity Lecture Series.
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