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Responsible Conduct of Research

Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) expects researchers to maintain high standards of ethics and accountability in planning, conducting, and reporting research. Standards of Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) are based on federal requirements and institutional policies that support integrity in research. This page provides an overview of RCR, including definitions, core topics, training requirements, and resources.

Understanding RCR

RCR encompasses the principles and practices that promote integrity, transparency, and accountability throughout the research lifecycle.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) defines responsible conduct of research as “the practice of scientific investigation with integrity. It involves the awareness and application of established professional norms and ethical principles in the performance of all activities related to scientific research,” NIH RCR Policy (NOT OD 10 019).

The National Science Foundation (NSF) describes responsible and ethical conduct of research as a responsibility to conduct research with rigor and integrity, including the obligation to conduct peer review ethically, protect proprietary information and intellectual property, and treat students and colleagues fairly and with respect, NSF RECR Requirement (PAPPG Chapter IX.B).

The foundation of RCR focuses on the following areas:

Animal research Peer review
Collaborative research Research misconduct
Conflict of interest Responsible authorship
Data management  Safe research environment
Human subjects research Rigor and reproducibility in research
Mentorship Laboratory safety

Training Requirements

Understand the RCR training requirements for individuals supported by NSF and NIH.

The National Science Foundation (NSF), through the America COMPETES Act Section 7009 and the CHIPS and Science Act Section 10337, requires Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research (RECR) training for all individuals supported by NSF funds.

This includes undergraduate students, graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, faculty, senior personnel, principal investigators, co-investigators, and key personnel.

NSF began requiring RCR training for trainees in 2010. Trainees include undergraduate students, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers at all levels of research training. On July 31, 2023, the requirement expanded to include faculty and other senior personnel.

Under NSF policy, senior personnel are individuals who contribute in a substantive, meaningful way to the scientific or technical development or execution of a project, whether or not they receive salary or compensation from the award. Read the full definition in the NSF Proposal & Award Policies and Procedures Guide (PAPPG 24-1), Exhibit II-3 – Definitions of Categories of Personnel.

Completing RCR Training for NSF

At CWRU, individuals supported by NSF funds are required to complete RCR training every three years. This requirement is met by completing one of four CITI RCR courses available in SpartaLearn: Biomedical Research, Humanities, Physical Science, or Social and Behavioral Research.

Complete RCR Training in SpartaLearn

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) requires Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) training for all trainees, fellows, participants, and scholars supported by NIH training, career development, research education, and dissertation grant programs.

RCR instruction must address ethical standards in research and include face-to-face discussion, mentorship, and ongoing learning appropriate to the career stage.

For complete details on NIH requirements and format expectations for RCR training, visit the CWRU NIH Requirements webpage.

IBMS 500 and RCR + 4 Seminar Series

NIH-funded graduate students and postdoctoral trainees can find information about On Being a Professional Scientist: The Responsible Conduct of Research (IBMS 500) and RCR + 4 Seminar Series, which provides training beyond four years, on the School of Medicine’s Responsible Conduct of Research webpage.

Resources 

Access institutional and external resources supporting RCR best practices.

For guidance on describing RCR training in NIH grant applications, review the Responsible Conduct of Research Training Program document.

For a collection of case studies and articles, explore RCR resources by topic. 

Get in Touch

Have further questions about the Responsible Conduct of Research policies at CWRU? Contact our team.