Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR)

person in hazmat suit doing research

Texas State University is committed to conducting research ethically and responsibly. Students, postdocs, faculty, and staff who engage in research at Texas State University may be required to participate in responsible conduct of research (RCR) training as part of their requirements for federally sponsored research or undergraduate and graduate research training programs. Research Integrity and Compliance is dedicated to promoting a shared understanding of, and adherence to, the principles of responsible conduct of research. We ensure our research community complies with the requirements and policies set forth by federal agencies such as the National Science Foundation (NSF), National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA NIFA)

Division of Research RCR Certification Program

The Division of Research administers the Responsible Conduct of Research Certification Program by upholding requirements set forth by granting bodies. The RCR Certificate Program is designed to satisfy federal regulations that require RCR training as a part of grant or contract terms and conditions. RCR introduces and reinforces ethical principles to guide the performance of scientific research activities. While RCR requirements may differ by study, or funding agency, by combining engaging and relevant live in-person zoom sessions and challenging on-line modules, the Texas State RCR program is designed to satisfy requirements of all funding agencies including National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA).

REQUIRED TRAINING 
Must complete the CITI training in the Responsible Conduct for Research. Please be sure to login using the LOG IN THROUGH MY ORGANIZATION option

  • NIH requires substantial face-to-face discussions; a combination of didactic and small-group discussions; and participation of research training faculty members in instruction for all trainees, participants, and scholars receiving support.

    NIH policy requires participation in and successful completion of instruction in responsible conduct of research by individuals supported by any NIH training/research education/fellowship/career award. It is expected that course attendance is monitored and that a certificate or documentation of participation is available upon course completion.

    REQUIRED TRAINING    
    The RCR training is partially online and must begin within 30 days of the notice of award date or the date that you begin working on a NSF supported project. All undergraduate students, graduate students, and postdoctoral scholars are required to complete the following:

  • NIH requires substantial face-to-face discussions; a combination of didactic and small-group discussions; and participation of research training faculty members in instruction for all trainees, participants, and scholars receiving support.

    NIH policy requires participation in and successful completion of instruction in responsible conduct of research by individuals supported by any NIH training/research education/fellowship/career award. It is expected that course attendance is monitored and that a certificate or documentation of participation is available upon course completion.

    REQUIRED TRAINING    
    The RCR training is partially online and must begin within 30 days of the notice of award date or the date that you begin working on a NSF supported project. All undergraduate students, graduate students, and postdoctoral scholars are required to complete the following:

  • The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) mandates that program directors, faculty, undergraduate students, graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and any staff participating in the research project receive appropriate training and oversight in the responsible and ethical conduct of research.

    REQUIRED TRAINING    
    The RCR training is fully online and must be completed within 30 days of the notice of award date or the date that you begin working on a NSF supported project. All students, postdocs, faculty and other senior personnel supported by an NSF project must complete, at a minimum, CITI training in the Responsible Conduct for Research. Please be sure to login using the LOG IN THROUGH MY ORGANIZATION option.