RCR Training
Defining RCR
Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) is the ethical and professional framework that ensures the credibility and integrity of scholarly work. More than a compliance requirement, RCR reflects a commitment to transparency, objectivity, and respect across the entire research process, spanning study design and data collection through mentorship, collaboration, and publication.
At NC State, RCR education helps researchers meet federal sponsor requirements while building a culture where integrity is embedded in every stage of the research enterprise, contributing knowledge that benefits the University and the public. NC State’s research integrity regulation (REG 10.00.02, Section 2.5) encourages everyone engaged in research, not just those with a training mandate, to participate in RCR training as part of this shared commitment.
NC State’s RCR program addresses a broad range of research integrity topics, including:
- Plagiarism
- Peer Review
- Authorship
- Research Misconduct
- Collaborative Research
- Research Security & Transparency
- Conflicts of Interest
- Mentoring
- Data Management
Quick Links
RCR Training Requirements by Federal Sponsor
The table below outlines RCR training requirements by federal sponsor.
| Federal Sponsor | Delivery method | Personnel required to do RCR Training |
|---|---|---|
| National Science Foundation (NSF) | Online Through CITI or an approved NC State course | Undergraduate Students, Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Researchers, Faculty and other Senior Personnel supported to conduct research |
| USDA - National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) | Online Through CITI or an approved NC State course | Program Directors, Faculty, Undergraduate Students, Postdoctoral Scholars, any staff participating in a USDA NIFA research project |
| National Institutes of Health (NIH) * | Face-to-face training | All trainees, fellows, participants, and scholars receiving support through any NIH training, career development award (individual or institutional), research education grant, and dissertation research grant |
*Applies to NIH training, career development, research education, and dissertation research grants.
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