Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) Training

Background

As part of the America COMPETES (America Creating Opportunities to Meaningfully Promote Excellence in Technology, Education, and Science) Act, which was signed into law in 2007, the National Science Foundation will begin to require after January 4, 2010, that all students and postdoctoral researchers who are included as research personnel on National Science Foundation awards receive training in the responsible conduct of research (RCR) within the time period of the grant.

NSF Implementation Requirements

“Effective January 4, 2010, NSF will require that, at the time of proposal submission to NSF, a proposing institution’s Authorized Organizational Representative certify that the institution has a plan to provide appropriate training and oversight in the responsible and ethical conduct of research to undergraduates, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers who will be supported by NSF to conduct research. While training plans are not required to be included in proposals submitted to NSF, institutions are advised that they are subject to review upon request.”

NSF’s implementation of the Act is available at https://www.nsf.gov/bfa/dias/policy/rcr.jsp.

The America COMPETES Act (2007) is available at https://www.congress.gov/bill/110th-congress/house-bill/2272.

The America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010 is available at https://www.congress.gov/bill/111th-congress/house-bill/5116.