NSF Certification Requirement in the Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR)

Guideline

Each Division/Unit at the University of Chicago is charged with the responsibility to develop a plan to provide appropriate education and oversight in the responsible and ethical conduct of research to undergraduates, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers within the Division/Unit who will be supported by NSF to conduct research. The University supports the use of the web based training program of The Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI Program) to satisfy the RCR education requirement, but advises individuals to check first with their Division/Unit for specific guidance.

Background

From the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPP) January 2010: The responsible and ethical conduct of research (RCR) is critical for excellence, as well as public trust, in science and engineering. Consequently, education in RCR is considered essential in the preparation of future scientists and engineers. Section 7009 of the America Creating Opportunities to Meaningfully Promote Excellence in Technology, Education, and Science (AMERICA COMPETES) Act (42 U.S.C. 1862o-1) requires that “each institution that applies for financial assistance from the Foundation for science and engineering research or education describe in its grant proposal a plan to provide appropriate training and oversight in the responsible and ethical conduct of research to undergraduate students, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers participating in the proposed research project.”

Institutional Responsibility

It is ultimately the responsibility of the Principal Investigator of an NSF-sponsored project to assure compliance with the RCR requirement for all undergraduates, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers working on his/her project. Division plans have been communicated to the faculty and most have been posted to their websites.

For those Units of the University which receive very limited NSF funding, URA will inform the PI at the time of NSF proposal submission that RCR education is required should an award be made, and they will be directed to the appropriate CITI website and RCR program based on their discipline. NSF awardees will also be reminded of the RCR education requirement by email when NSF awards are received. The Associate Vice President for Research Administration will act as primary contact with NSF.

CITI Program Guides