The WashU Responsible Conduct of Research policy outlines required RCR training at the university. The policy aligns with many sponsor requirements, but it is important to fully understand the training requirements for your sponsor, program, and award.
NIH and NSF Requirements
Undergraduates, graduate students, and postdocs on NIH training grants, career awards, or fellowships are required to receive 8 hours of face-to-face RCR education per career stage.
NIH Requirement for Instruction in the Responsible Conduct of Research (NOT-OD-10-019)
Undergraduate students, graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, faculty, and other senior personnel supported by the proposed research project are required to complete the online Responsible Conduct of Research course.
NSF Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research (RECR) Guidelines
Face-to-Face RCR Training
Research Education & Information offers face-to-face RCR training. Announcements of opportunities are sent via Research News and listed on the OVCR Calendar (RCR Category).Â
Other groups providing training include:
RCR training hours may also be available through specific departments or at ethics presentations at conferences.
Additional information is posted on the Other Available RCR Education page.
Online Training
The Responsible Conduct of Research online course has seven modules related to conducting ethical, responsible and secure research.
- Introduction
- Research Integrity
- Mentorship
- Study Design and Data
- Research Security
- Authorship and Publication
- Peer Review
Tracking RCR Training Completions
Face-to-Face RCR Training
Due to the variety of ways to obtain RCR training, these records are kept at the departmental level.
Any RCR trainings recorded centrally via Learn@Work can be tracked by research administrators following the RCR Administrator’s Guide.
Departments conducting RCR trainings for their learners may submit a training record to be recorded in Learn@Work. The department/school must use the RCR Continuing Education Submission Form.
Online RCR Training
Individuals can verify completion of the online RCR training on the course’s page in Learn@Work.
Department administrators can request access to Learn@Work analytics to be able to run reports on completion history. The Learn@Work support website contains information on requesting analytics access and running reports.
Contacts
RCR programming is managed by Research Education and Information, in the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research. For questions or additional information about this program, please contact:
Chelsea Elliott
Compliance Specialist