What is Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR)? 

As described by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in NOT-OD-10-019 and the National Science Foundation (NSF) in National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG), RCR is critical for excellence and public trust. Drexel University’s CITI modules include a broad range of topics including:

• Conflict of Interest
• Data Acquisition, Management, Sharing and Ownership
• Publication Practices and Responsible Authorship
• Peer Review
• Collaborative Science
• Mentor/Trainee Responsibility
• Research Misconduct
• Research Involving Human Subjects
• Research Involving Animal Subjects
• Laboratory Safety
• Intellectual Property
• Mentoring
• Preventing and Responding to Harassment and Bullying in Academia
• Safer Research Environments

Drexel University’s Office of Research and Innovation will check all NSF proposals at the time of proposal submission for completion of RCR and notify those who have outstanding training.  If RCR has not been completed by “time of award,” this may impact account set-up or require changes in study personnel.

Drexel University provides training for RCR to all researchers through the CITI training platform. If you have already completed the training within the last 4 years, we recommend associating your CITI account with Drexel University. 

Who oversees Responsible Conduct of Research for Drexel University?

The Executive Vice Provost of Research & Innovation oversees all aspects of the research enterprise. The RCR CITI program is directly overseen by Research Compliance and Regulatory Affairs for the University.