Responsible Conduct of Research Training - NSF, NIH, NIFA Grants

UNI strives to promote a culture of research integrity and compliance through educational programs, coursework, events, and specialized training sessions.  Certain sponsored programs have specific requirements for ensuring that Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) training is carried out by certain personnel and that the Institution has a plan for carrying out RCR. 

Research & Sponsored Programs

UNI strives to promote a culture of research integrity and compliance through educational programs, coursework, events, and specialized training sessions.  Certain sponsored programs have specific requirements for ensuring that Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) training is carried out by certain personnel and that the Institution has a plan for carrying out RCR. 

The National Science Foundation (NSF), National Institute of Health (NIH) and National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) all have requirements for providing RCR training.  NSF and NIFA grantees can currently meet this training requirement through the RCR course sponsored by CITI.  NIH grantees can meet this training requirement through a combination of CITI and additional interactive trainings.  Please reference the sponsored programs below to see the full requirements.   

 

National Science Foundation

  • All undergraduate students, graduate students, post-doctoral researchers, faculty and other senior personnel supported by NSF to conduct research, must complete RCR training. 
  • Training must also include a mentoring component for post-doctoral students. 
  • Training must be renewed once during each career stage and at least once every four years.
  • Training may be fulfilled by the RCR course offered through CITI.  Additional training is encouraged.
  • View the requirements here: 
  • Institutional Responsibilities
    • ​RCR training must be on file with the RSP office and will be verified by RSP staff. 
    • Once training is complete, a certificate will be automatically sent to the RSP office and will be recorded.
    • It is the responsibility of the PI and Department Head to ensure that personnel supported through NSF have secured the correct training, prior to working on projects.
    • Training must be administered on the first day of employment and completed within two weeks, or prior to working on the project (whichever is sooner).

 

National Institute of Health

  • All trainees, fellows, participants and scholars receiving support through any NIH training or award must complete RCR training.  
  • The training plan should be submitted with the grant proposal, should cover suggested content, and include substantial face-to-face discussions.  
  • UNI provides an online Responsible Conduct of Research course through CITI.  However, completion of the CITI RCR online course, alone, does not fulfill the NIH requirement.  
  • Training must be renewed once during each career stage and at least once every four years.
  • Training may be fulfilled through a combination of CITI RCR Program and additional in person / interactive sessions.

  • View the requirements here:  NOT-OD-019

 

National Institute of Food and Agriculture

  • All students, graduate students and postdoctoral scholars working on NIFA funded research must complete training. 
  • Training may be completed through the CITI RCR program.
  • View the requirements here: NIFA website.