Research-Related Economic Stimulus Information

Responsible Conduct of Research

RCR Fundamentals

Introduction

It is now generally accepted that research must be conducted in accordance with certain ethical and regulatory mandates. In order to comply with these mandates, each institution has the obligation to develop policies for the various aspects of research, to train members of its research community in the areas relevant to their activities, and to certify compliance with research policies. Taken together, these policies and their implementation constitute a fabric that is often called the responsible conduct of research (RCR).

Strong support for the responsible conduct of research is provided by several guidances that have been issued by agencies of the Federal government (e.g. http://www.ori.dhhs.gov/html/programs/finalpolicy.asp, NIH Policy on Instruction in the Responsible Conduct of Research). Although the "mandatory aspects of these policies apply only to research that is supported by Federal funds, it is strongly recommended that the program apply to all individuals engaged in research at the institution."

At Penn, we have developed a number of policies and modules which set forth institutional guidelines and assist in training members of the research community, including faculty, postdoctoral fellows, students, and staff. This material has been brought together on this website, and is organized according to the rubrics listed above. It is important to be aware that standard practices and normative behavior varies in different disciplines. Therefore, some of the policies or recommended practices may not be universal, and discipline-specific variants are included under some headings.

Training modules

Under each of the thirteen rubrics we have identified those essential elements, including orientations, policies, and quizzes, that in the aggregate should constitute an electronic introduction to Responsible Conduct of Research. These include training materials from Biomedical Postdoctoral Programs, supplemented with items from websites at Penn and, in a few instances, from other institutions. Under each rubric these “fundamental” elements are marked with .

Penn’s Biomedical Postdoctoral Programs has developed an excellent online set of training materials. These include short orientations about subjects such as laboratory notebooks; authorship; peer review; human subjects; animal research; research misconduct; and conflict of interest. In addition, there are a set of quizzes that can be used to 'certify' that a researcher has reviewed the training materials and has successfully answered a multiple choice questionnaire about these subjects. These training materials can be accessed via the website for Biomedical Postdoctoral Programs, but the user must have a PENNKEY username and password.

Requirement for National Research Service Awards (NSRAs)

NSRA applications (NIH training grants or stand alone awards for graduate fellowships) require that the applicant institution certify that awardees will be trained in the elements of Responsible Conduct of Research. For the convenience of applicants, we provide prototype language that can be used to respond to that part of the grant application. Of course, certification implies that the applicant's Department or School will provide the training program described in the NIH grant application, and will be able to document that training on request. The introductory materials, noted above, will likely meet the basic requirements for certification of electronic training in the Responsible Conduct of Research.

Stay tuned

It is anticipated that this site will undergo continuous development as policies, guidelines, and procedures are developed or modified. Comments, suggestions, and recommendations of new materials to be incorporated, are welcomed. These should be addressed to Madeline (Lynn) Alexander (mmga@upenn.edu or 215-573-2874).

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