The Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) course is designed to promote the practice of ethical science. The rapid growth of scientific knowledge, the increasing complexity and pace of research, and the influx of scientific trainees with diverse backgrounds has resulted in a need for continuing education regarding the highest standards of scientific conduct within medical settings. This course provides advanced training for investigators, trainees and research staff in federal regulations, institutional policies and procedures, and the norms and standards of research behavior. This course assists both new and experienced investigators as they strive to safeguard the integrity of the research process.

This course provides training consistent with the current policies of the National Institutes of Health (NOT-OD-22-055) regarding instruction in the Responsible Conduct of Research. The topics included parallel those originally developed, revised, and approved by the Scientific Directors of the National Institutes of Health and the NIH Committee on Scientific Conduct and Ethics. The full course includes 8 hours of instruction delivered in an interactive workshop format consisting of one or two sessions. The workshop covers eight topic areas: 1) the protection of research participants; 2) the responsibilities of researchers in the collection, recording and management of data; 3) ethical publication practices; 4) building successful and ethical mentoring relationships; 5) the importance of the peer review process; 6) establishing research partnerships with industry and communities; 7) conflicts of interest; 8) research misconduct. The course is offered approximately every 12 months.