Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR)

AU RCR Training Implementation

Auburn University has contracted with the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) at the University of Miami to provide RCR training.  CITI is a web-based training program with content developed by a national consortium.  The CITI RCR program will ensure appropriate training and documentation related to RCR requirements. 

AU encourages, but does not require, all investigators to complete the CITI RCR training.  RCR training is currently dependent on sponsor requirements.

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NSF – Required Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) Training

Effective, January 4, 2010, the National Science Foundation (NSF) will proceed with implementation of Section 7009 of the America COMPETES Act.  This section of the Act requires that each institution have a plan for providing 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. 

·         At the time of proposal submission to NSF, a proposing institution’s Authorized Organization Representative must 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 post doctoral researchers who will be supported by NSF to conduct research.

·         Training plans are not required to be included in proposals submitted to NSF.  However, institutions have been advised that they are subject to review.

·         NSF will modify its standard award conditions to clearly stipulate that institutions are responsible for verifying that undergraduate students, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers supported by NSF to conduct research have received RCR training.

Click here to view the NSF RCR Training Process Diagram