Ethical and Responsible Conduct of Research
Responsible conduct of research is defined as
"the practice of scientific investigation with
integrity". It involves the awareness and application of
established professional norms and ethical principles in the
performance of all activities related to scientific research.
Ethical and responsible conduct of research is critical for
excellence, as well as public trust, in science and engineering.
Consequently, education in the responsible and ethical conduct of
research is considered essential in the preparation of future
scientists and engineers. The recently enacted America COMPETES
(Creating Opportunities to
Meaningfully Promote
Excellence in Technology,
Education, and Science) Act of
2007 focuses public attention on the importance of the national
research community's enduring commitment and broader efforts to
provide RCR (Responsible Conduct of Research) training as an
integral part of the preparation and long term professional
development of current and future generations of scientists and
engineers.
A wide array of information exists to help inform RCR training.
For example, many professional societies as well as governmental
licensing authorities for professional scientists and engineers
have adopted policies or best practices that might be usefully
considered. In addition, research is illuminating existing
practices surrounding ethical issues, and providing an evaluation
of pedagogical innovations in ethics education. Information and
links to some of these resources is provided on this web page.
1. National Science Foundation (NSF) Requirements
The recently enacted America COMPETES Act of 2007 contains a number
of new requirements for all those funded by the National Science
Foundation (NSF), including requirements regarding mentoring in the
ethical and responsible conduct of research. This Act contains two
sections that all NSF applicants should review: Section 7008
regarding mentoring activities for Postdoctoral Fellows, and
Section 7009 regarding training and oversight in the responsible
and ethical conduct of research for undergraduates, graduate
students, and postdoctoral researchers who will be supported by NSF
to conduct research.
Important Information for Principal
Investigators
Please review the following regarding policies and
requirements.
2. National Institutes of Health (NIH) Requirements
On Nov 24th, 2009, NIH updated its policy for instruction of
trainees in the responsible conduct of research. The new updated
policy states:
"NIH requires that all trainees, fellows, participants, and
scholars receiving support through any NIH training, career
development award (individual or institutional), research education
grant, and dissertation research grant must receive instruction in
responsible conduct of research. This policy will take effect
with all new and renewal applications submitted on or after January
25, 2010, and for all continuation (Type 5) applications with
deadlines on or after January 1, 2011. This Notice applies to
the following programs: D43, D71, F05, F30, F31, F32, F33,
F34, F37, F38, K01, K02, K05, K07, K08, K12, K18, K22, K23, K24,
K25, K26, K30, K99/R00, KL1, KL2, R25, R36, T15, T32, T34, T35,
T36, T37, T90/R90, TL1, TU2, and U2R. This policy also
applies to any other NIH-funded programs supporting research
training, career development, or research education that requires
instruction in responsible conduct of research as stated in the
relevant funding opportunity announcements."
Important information regarding NIH policy for instruction of
trainees:
Requirements
3. Resources
Useful references for developing responsible conduct of research
programs:
4. Research Misconduct
- Policy and Procedures for Responding to Allegations of Research
Misconduct at UC Riverside 529-900 - View
- Department of Health & Human Services Policy on Research
Misconduct - View
- National Science Foundation Policy on Research Misconduct - View