Each mentoring relationship is unique. What makes one relationship successful may not work well for another. Below are general best practices that generally apply to all mentoring relationships. Mentors and mentees must fulfill agreed upon obligations. Mentors should provide the tools for mentees to develop professionally. Mentees should take the initiative to advance their skillset […]
Hosting Visitors, Students, and Scholars
Hosting visitors in research areas may increase security risks. Follow these best practices to safely host visitors, students, and scholars. Preparing to host Work with your department business office to complete the appropriate packets for any visitor. Review WashU Global resources for hosting international visitors. Required screenings must be completed: Obtain sponsor approval as needed […]
Effective and Secure Collaborations
Collaborative research, especially internationally collaborative research, continues to be a fundamental principle of research. Collaborative research broadens the depth of information and results, strengthening the research enterprise, researchers, and the United States. Avoiding international collaborations out of fear or unwillingness to take necessary precautions reduces the overall quality of research. Research security practices should be […]
Gather, Analyze, and Report on Data
Gather and Analyze Report Store and Share
Study Design Best Practices
Organize your study to provide the clearest possible answer, then trust in the objectivity of the data rather than looking for the desired outcome. Ensure the target population is fully represented (e.g. if the study researches impacts on all adults, do not gather data just from a single sex or age). Minimize risks to subjects, […]
Documenting Research Activity
Designing a quality study, collecting data, and analyzing that data is the foundation of research. Comprehensive documentation of these processes is key to producing rigorous, responsible, and reproducible research. Because research can take years to complete and can go through many refinements, it is important to thoroughly document the entire research record. Documentation is not […]
PI Maintained Log Sheet – Multiuser Example
The PI Maintained Log Sheet – Multiuser Example is accessed via Box.
PI Maintained Log Sheet – Multiuser
The PI Maintained Log Sheet – Multiuser can be accessed via Box.
PI Maintained Husbandry Agreement
The PI Maintained Husbandry Agreement is available via Box.
Responsible Conduct of Research Policy
Effective: 03/31/2025Created: 01/04/2009 Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) fosters ethical principles, professional standards, and best practices guiding researchers to conduct their work with integrity, transparency, and accountability. WashU offers specific RCR online education that encompasses Research Integrity, Mentorship, Study Design & Data Management, Research Security, Authorship & Publication, and Peer Review. Ethical research practices also […]