Responsible Conduct of Research
On this page:
- Responsible Conduct of Research
- Federal Regulations
- Policies
- Research Integrity Officer
- Process
- Training
- Frequently Asked Questions
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:
- 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. - 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. - Data Acquisition, Management, Sharing and Ownership
Wright State encourages the viewing and retrieving of shared data archives relevant to research. - Human Research Protections
Research with human participants plays a central role in advancing knowledge in the biomedical, behavioral and social sciences. - 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. - 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. - Peer Review
Positive peer reviews contribute to increased funding opportunities, academic advancement and a good reputation. - 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. - 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 whistleblowers and the accused until a determination is made.
Federal Regulations
Policies
- University Policy 6120
- Institutional Plan (PDF)
As a recipient of funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF), Wright State has a plan in place to provide training and oversight of undergraduate students, graduate students and post-doctoral fellows supported by NSF funds.
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 NSF proposal is funded, training is required. Please see the Training tab.
Training
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
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Whom do I contact for questions?
For general questions about the research compliance programs, contact Matthew Grushon, Director for Research Compliance (matthew.grushon@wright.edu or 937-775-3853).
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Is guidance available for Faculty mentoring of graduate student investigators?
RSP has developed a “Principles of Good Practice” guide found here: (LINK)
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What is Research Misconduct?
Federal Regulations define Research Misconduct as fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism in proposing, performing, or reviewing research or in reporting research results. It does not include honest error or honest differences in interpretations or judgments of data. However, it is well appreciated by all that responsible conduct, as opposed to misconduct, encompasses many other aspects of ethical behavior in the practice of scientific research.
