Requirements for training in Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) have been issued by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), affecting all NSF awards and selected categories of NIH awards. RCR training typically includes topics such as data acquisition, management, sharing and ownership; conflict of interest and commitment; human subjects; animal welfare; research misconduct; publication practices and responsible authorship; mentor/trainee responsibilities; peer review; and, collaborative science.

Research Compliance Services works to assist faculty and departments with RCR training resource materials and to promote and support RCR education at UO.

• National Institutes of Health
  • The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Grants Policy Statement explains the Responsible Conduct of Research requirements for NIH award applicants and recipients. The NIH policy update provides additional specific information on how to meet the obligations under the NIH Grants Policy Statement. Anyone applying to or receiving an NIH award should familiarize themselves with the policy update.
  • The NIH RCR policy update reflects principles based on 20 years’ experience of providing instruction in responsible conduct of research by the scientific research community. The policy covers:
    1. Issues that have arisen as the practice of biomedical, behavioral and clinical science has evolved;
    2. Specifics about who should participate in RCR training; how often instruction should occur; the form that instruction should take; and the instructional components of training;
    3. Special considerations by award type;
    4. Guidance to applicants, peer reviewers and NIH staff in determining how well specific plans for instruction in responsible conduct of research compare with the best practices accumulated over the past two decades by the research training community; and
    5. Compliance and reporting requirements.

• National Science Foundation
  • The National Science Foundation (NSF) requires RCR training for all undergraduate students, graduate students and postdoctoral researchers supported by NSF awards. This requirement implements the provisions of Section 7009 of the America COMPETES Act.
  • The NSF requires that the University of Oregon have an institutional plan for RCR training. Additionally, NSF requires institutional certification of RCR training for each grant proposal.
  • For more information on the NSF RCR requirement, see their implementation guidance and frequently asked questions.
  • For UO's RCR requirements, see the UO RCR Training and Education Plan.

If you have questions, please contact Research Compliance Services.