Cornell has developed an online training course on Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research and Research Security, specifically for Cornell researchers. The course meets all current federal requirements for research security training as well as Responsible Conduct of Research training requirements as set forth by federal agencies*. This training is a requirement of anyone who is named or paid on sponsored funds, and can be found here: CU601 - Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research and Research Security.
*Please note that additional training requirements still apply for those researchers who work with animals or human subjects.
RCR Training Announcement from the Office for the Vice President of Research and
Innovation, Aug. 1, 2023:
Dear Colleagues,
As leaders of and contributors to academic research at Cornell, we know that the privilege of conducting academic research comes with the obligation to do so with responsible and ethical research practices. Cornell University shares in that responsibility, and provides materials aimed to ensure that all Cornell researchers understand both our ethical and legal obligations.
In addition, some federal agencies that sponsor research at Cornell also require those research leaders and participants to complete periodic training activities for Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research (abbreviated RECR or RCR). Cornell is developing RCR materials, tailored to Cornell researchers, to make it easier for you to meet sponsor requirements while gaining the important RCR knowledge you need to lead and participate in research teams responsibly and ethically.
Cornell will be rolling out a new online RCR course—developed specifically for Cornell researchers—in early fall 2023. This course includes video (less than 30 minutes) and additional reading to do in our own time. Please watch for further communications and deadlines. Note that completion of Cornell’s RCR course is a key requirement for all Cornell researchers – including, but not only, when research sponsors also require this certification. Those Cornellians who do not complete the required RCR training within 60 days of course assignment through CULearn, will need to do so before receiving new research funding, accepting new awards and submitting new proposals.
Further, please note that the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) has revised its regulatory requirements regarding training on RCR. Those revisions are now in effect. If you plan to submit a proposal for funding from the NSF, you may be impacted by this change. See below* for information about the regulatory change and how you can comply.
If you have any questions about how you can comply with the new NSF training requirements or if they apply to you, please feel free to contact Cornell’s RCR office at rcr@cornell.edu.
Thank you,
Krystyn J. Van Vliet, Vice President for Research & Innovation
*New NSF RECR/RCR Requirements:
For all proposals submitted or due on or after July 31, 2023, NSF requires that training on the responsible and ethical conduct of research, including training on mentorship, be taken by all undergraduate students, graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, faculty, and other senior personnel supported by NSF funds.
Note that this requirement reflects two changes from prior years: (i) the RCR training requirement has expanded, and now applies to faculty and other senior personnel, and (ii) the training must include training on mentorship. The new RCR Training meets these expanded requirements.