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

Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) training is required for certain sponsored-programs including National Science Foundation (NSF), National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) programs. It is the responsibility of the PI to ensure that the appropriate training plan is submitted and followed as required by the funder.    

Research & Sponsored Programs

National Science Foundation

  • All undergraduate students, graduate students, post-doctoral researchers, faculty and other senior personnel supported by NSF, must complete RCR (aka "ReCR") training. 
  • NSF funds for supported staff may not be charged to the grant for staff, until RCR training has been completed.
  • 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.
  • It is the responsibility of the PI and Department Head to ensure that personnel supported through NSF have secured the proper training, prior to working on projects.
  • ​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.
  • View the requirements here: 

 

National Institute of Health

  • All trainees, fellows, participants and scholars receiving support through certain awards must complete RCR training.  
  • A training plan must be submitted with the grant proposal, 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 & NOT-OD-22-055

 

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.