Responsible Conduct of Research

On this page:

• Responsible Conduct of Research
• Federal Regulations
• Policies
• Research Integrity Officer
• Process
• Training
• Frequently Asked Questions

RCR Forums Spring 2023:  

NSF and NIH grants entail contractual requirements to participate in Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research training:  Faculty, staff, students, and external collaborators whose research is supported by these agencies must comply with the requirement for periodically participating in RCR forums.  However, any researchers are welcome to attend.    The Fall 2023 offerings are: 

Series A:  Wednesdays at 1 PM - October 11th,  18th,  25th and November 1st.    Location to be determined.
Series B:  Fridays at 10 AM - October 13th, 20th, 27th, and November 3rd.    Location to be determined.

Responses to FAQ's and Information

• each of the four sessions in a series are 50 minutes in length and  cover different topics (all topics eventually need to be discussed).
• CITI modules do not fully meet the requirements for NIH or NSF but are useful tools for introducing students to the issues.
• we are exploring a program that consists of regularly scheduled similar sessions (weekly, brown-bag (?), or perhaps a for-credit seminar if there is student interest) whereby those needing to meet sponsor RCR requirements can do so by attending a series of 4-6 sessions at 4 year intervals or faculty advisors can direct their students to participate.  
• faculty input regarding how the program is designed is always welcomed.  
• while RCR participation is required if a researcher is NIH/NSF funded, it is not required RIGHT NOW.  It is understood that many will not be able to attend the next set of sessions.  We do however expect to have everyone in compliance with the requirement by the end of the next academic year.    

Responsible conduct of research (RCR) includes most of the professional activities that are part and parcel of a research career. As defined by federal agencies, RCR encompasses the following nine areas:

1. Collaborative Science
   Collaborations take place in a variety of forms, including the borrowing and lending of supplies, resources and equipment between researchers; seeking input from an expert in a different discipline; and partnering with colleagues who have a similar background or field of knowledge for fresh ideas and abilities.
2. Conflicts of Interest and Commitments
   Conflicts of interests or commitments are not inherently negative; rather, the way in which the conflict is managed is important.
3. Data Acquisition, Management, Sharing and Ownership
   Wright State encourages the viewing and retrieving of shared data archives relevant to research.
4. Human Research Protections
   Research with human participants plays a central role in advancing knowledge in the biomedical, behavioral and social sciences.
5. Lab Animal Welfare
   Wright State has and continues to support efforts to improve laboratory animal welfare through the implementation of policies and regulations that both maintain the integrity of scientific research and sustain the welfare of such animals.
6. Mentoring
   Mentoring a less-experienced researcher is a professional responsibility of all scientists. The ultimate goal of the mentor is to establish the trainee as an independent researcher.
7. Peer Review
   Positive peer reviews contribute to increased funding opportunities, academic advancement and a good reputation.
8. Publications Practices and Responsible Authorship
   Although researchers can disseminate their findings through many different avenues, results are most likely to be published as an article in a scholarly journal.
9. Research Misconduct:  Wright State has procedures in place to investigate and when appropriate report findings of misconduct to the Research Integrity Officer. Policies exist to protect both whistle blowers and the accused until a determination is made.

Federal Regulations

• National Institutes of Health RCR
• National Science Foundation RCR

Policies                             

• University Policy 6120
• Institutional Plan (PDF) (update pending)
   

Research Integrity Officer (RIO)

The RIO is the institutional official responsible for:

• assessing allegations of research misconduct to determine, with the concurrence of the Chief Academic Officer, if they fall within the definition of research misconduct and warrant an inquiry on the basis that the allegation is sufficiently credible and specific so that potential evidence or research misconduct may be identified; and
• overseeing inquiries and investigations; and
• the other responsibilities described in University Policy 6120. 

To speak with someone regarding research integrity questions, please contact the Office of the Vice President for Research at 937-775-3336.

Process

Research Misconduct: see University Policy 6120 under the Policies tab.

If your  proposal is funded by NIH or NSF, training is required. Please see the Training tab.

• Student Conduct

Training (Requirements Pending Review)

Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI)

The core elements of the CITI training modules cover:

• Introduction to RCR
• Authorship and Publication
• Collaborative Research
• Data Acquisition, Management, Sharing and Ownership
• Publication Practices and Responsible Authorship
• Conflict of Interest and Commitment
• Mentoring/trainee responsibilities
• Research Misconduct and Policies
• Peer Review
• As required by the nature of the project:
  • Protection of Human Subjects
  • Welfare of Laboratory Animals
  • Safe Laboratory Practices

Visit the CITI Program website to learn more about training.

Upcoming Training Events

Frequently Asked Questions