Responsible Conduct of Research

On this page:

• Responsible Conduct of Research
• Federal Regulations
• Policies
• Research Integrity Officer
• Process
• Training
• Frequently Asked Questions

RCR Forums Fall 2024:  

NSF and NIH grants entail contractual requirements to participate in Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research training:  Faculty, staff, students, and external collaborators whose research is supported by these agencies must comply with the requirement for periodically participating in RCR forums.  However, any researchers are welcome to attend.    

The next set of forums will be held:

Fall Semester 2024:  Wednesdays   1-1:50 PM    October 9, 16, 23, and 30   University Hall Room 158

Spring Semester 2025:    Wednesdays  January 31, February 7, 14, and 21    Time and location to be determined.

Researchers must have attended at least 4 sessions in the previous 4 years to maintain current certification. 

Responses to FAQ's and Information

• each of the four sessions in a series are 50 minutes in length and  cover different topics (all topics eventually need to be discussed).  '
• CITI modules do not fully meet the requirements for NIH or NSF but are useful tools for faculty to introduce students to the issues.
• faculty input regarding how the program is designed is always welcomed.  
• while RCR participation is required if a researcher is NIH/NSF funded, it is not required RIGHT NOW.  It is understood that many will not be able to attend the next set of sessions.  We do however expect to have everyone in compliance within a reasonable amount of time. 
• current attendance records are posted in the User profile for CAYUSE under Certifications and Training.   Attendance at 4 sessions within the past 4 years is required per WSU policy. 

Responsible conduct of research (RCR) includes most of the professional activities that are integral to a research career. As defined by federal agencies, RCR includes the following topics:

1. Collaborative Science
   Collaborations take place in a variety of forms, including the borrowing and lending of supplies, resources and equipment between researchers; seeking input from an expert in a different discipline; and partnering with colleagues who have a similar background or field of knowledge for fresh ideas and abilities.
2. International collaboration.
3. Conflicts of Interest and Commitments
   Conflicts of interests or commitments are not inherently negative; rather, the way in which the conflict is managed is important.
4. Data Acquisition, Management, Sharing and Ownership
   Wright State encourages the viewing and retrieving of shared data archives relevant to research.
5. Human Research Protections
   Research with human participants plays a central role in advancing knowledge in the biomedical, behavioral and social sciences.
6. Lab Animal Welfare
   Wright State has and continues to support efforts to improve laboratory animal welfare through the implementation of policies and regulations that both maintain the integrity of scientific research and sustain the welfare of such animals.
7. Mentoring
   Mentoring a less-experienced researcher is a professional responsibility of all scientists. The ultimate goal of the mentor is to establish the trainee as an independent researcher.
8. Peer Review
   Positive peer reviews contribute to increased funding opportunities, academic advancement and a good reputation.
9. Publications Practices and Responsible Authorship
   Although researchers can disseminate their findings through many different avenues, results are most likely to be published as an article in a scholarly journal.
10. Export Compliance
    Federal laws and regulations exist to control the export of technology and materials that can compromise national and international security and economic health. 
11. Safe and Inclusive Environments
    Policies for supporting an environment free of harassment and other unacceptable behaviors where research is conducted is required for both on and off campus locations.   
12. Research Misconduct:  Wright State has procedures in place to investigate and when appropriate report findings of misconduct to the Research Integrity Officer. Policies exist to protect both whistle blowers and the accused until a determination is made.

Federal Regulations

• National Institutes of Health RCR
• National Science Foundation RCR

Policies                             

• University Policy 6120
• Institutional Plan (PDF) (update pending)
   

Research Integrity Officer (RIO)

The RIO is the university official responsible for:

• assessing allegations of research misconduct to determine, with the concurrence of the Chief Academic Officer, if they fall within the definition of research misconduct and warrant an inquiry on the basis that the allegation is sufficiently credible and specific so that potential evidence or research misconduct may be identified; and
• overseeing inquiries and investigations; and
• the other responsibilities described in University Policy 6120. 

To speak with someone regarding research integrity questions, please contact the Office of the Vice President for Research at 937-775-3336.

Process

Research Misconduct: see University Policy 6120 under the Policies tab.

If your  proposal is funded by NIH or NSF, training is required. Please see the Training tab.

• Student Conduct

Training (Requirements Pending Review)

Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI)

The core elements of the CITI training modules cover:

• Introduction to RCR
• Authorship and Publication
• Collaborative Research
• Data Acquisition, Management, Sharing and Ownership
• Publication Practices and Responsible Authorship
• Conflict of Interest and Commitment
• Mentoring/trainee responsibilities
• Research Misconduct and Policies
• Peer Review
• As required by the nature of the project:
  • Protection of Human Subjects
  • Welfare of Laboratory Animals
  • Safe Laboratory Practices

Visit the CITI Program website to learn more about training.

Upcoming Training Events

Frequently Asked Questions