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New NSF Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) Training Requirements
Research News

New NSF Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) Training Requirements

February 8, 2023 2-min. read
The following information was shared in an email from Sponsored Programs and Regulatory Compliance. Those funded by NSF or those who hope to be funded by NSF should take careful note of this. information.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) recently released the latest edition of its Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG). The new PAPPG expands who is required to complete Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) training before conducting NSF-sponsored research. For NSF proposals submitted on or after July 31, 2023, in addition to students and postdocs, all faculty and other senior personnel supported by NSF to conduct research must complete an approved form of RCR training. This means that you may need to take action in the coming months if you expect to conduct NSF-funded research. NC State encourages those who will be affected by the new requirements to complete RCR training through the CITI program at their earliest convenience if they have not completed RCR training in the past three years.
More About RCR Training
NSF already requires postdocs, grad students and undergraduates to complete RCR training before conducting NSF-supported research. RCR training is also already required by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA).In addition to CITI RCR training, there are numerous NC State-authorized courses that can be taken as an alternative in order to satisfy RCR training requirements.
RCR FAQs 
Why RCR Training and Education Matters
Responsible and ethical conduct of research is critical for excellence and maintaining the public’s trust. NC State is committed to fostering a robust research environment, in part through RCR training and education. The goal of RCR education at NC State is to inform all individuals engaged in the research process about the key issues, current standards and best ethical practices.
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