Conducting research responsibly, rigorously, and ethically is fundamental to producing successful results. Research information and intellectual property must also be secured and safeguarded throughout the research lifecycle to ensure it does not fall into the wrong hands.

Unethical research conduct can affect your career, WashU, and public trust in research. You have a responsibility to conduct research ethically. You also have an obligation to report concerns of others acting unethically.

There are many components of responsible and secure research. This page provides information on five key RCR components:

Responsible conduct of research also encompasses:

• Research Integrity and Authorship
• Conflicts of Interest
• Human Subjects
• Animal Care and Use

Training Requirements

Many sponsors require Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) training. In addition to WashU’s Responsible Conduct of Research policy, individuals are required to follow any sponsor, program, and award requirements. The RCR Training page provides additional information on requirement, available opportunities, and tracking completions.

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Study Design

Designing a quality study, collecting data, and analyzing that data is the foundation of research. The responsible and ethical use of data throughout this process is crucial.

Review these pages for additional guidance:

• Study design best practices
• Documenting research activity
• Data gathering, analysis, and reporting

Data Management

Effective stewardship of data is fundamental to high-quality research. WashU expects everyone to follow the highest standards for management, retention, and sharing.

Most sponsors require the establishment of appropriate data management and sharing plans. Developing this plan is a good practice even if your sponsor does not require it. Plans typically include the types and the amount of data to be collected and how that data will be validated, organized, stored, protected, and shared.

Data must be retained in accordance with university policy. The Office of Information Security offers guidance on available secure storage and communication services.

The Research Data page includes information on data management planning; data acquisition and collection; storage, security, and analysis; and dissemination and preservation.

Research Security

Research security is collective system of controls and best practices that protect the research en­terpri­se from misappropriation, violations of research integrity, and foreign government interference. Following these proactive measures protects your work and prevents sensitive data from being exposed or misused.

Review these pages for additional guidance:

• Effective collaborations
• Hosting visitors
• Foreign travel
• External activities
  • EPA policy
  • Disclosing to sponsors
  • Guidance for foreign talent programs

Mentorship

Mentoring helps properly train the next researchers and expand their networks. Review these pages for additional guidance:

• Forming mentorship
• Mentee and mentor responsibilities
• Dealing with challenges
• Mentoring at WashU (Office of the Provost)

Peer Review

Peer review is most often used to review proposed research in an application for research and research to be presented in a publication.

Peer reviewers have an obligation to follow ethical review practices, including maintaining confidentiality, during the review process. This is essential to allow for the candid exchange of scientific opinions and evaluations.

Other resources:

• Peer Review (Office of Research Integrity)
• NIH Merit Review Policies and Practices
• NSF Merit Review

All RCR Resources