Training in responsible conduct of research (RCR) is a requirement for certain types of personnel receiving salaries or stipend support on specific NIH, NSF, and USDA-NIFA awards.
For all proposals submitted to NSF on or after July 31, 2023: All undergraduate students, graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, faculty, and other senior personnel supported by the proposed research project, must have received RCR training, including training in mentorship.
Please note that failure to complete the required RCR training may result in administrative sanctions including withholding of funds, inability to accept new awards, and inability to submit new proposals.
RCR Requirements for Specific Awards
Only the CITI training called the "Full Course" in RCR will meet the requirements set by NIH, NSF, and USDA-NIFA. The "Short, Foundational Course" does not meet the requirements of these sponsors. For more information, check the terms of your specific award.
| Research Award | Required RCR Training | Deadline | Fulfill the Requirement Here |
| NIH Grant (Other than Training Grants) | Online Training in RCR | Within 60 days of being named on that grant | CITI training Full Course |
| NIH Training Grant | Online Training in RCR and Discussion-Based Training | Within 60 days of being named on that grant | CITI training Full Course and RCR Symposium |
| NSF | Online Training in RCR | Within 60 days of being named on that grant | CITI training Full Course |
| USDA-NIFA | Online Training in RCR | Within 60 days of being named on that grant | CITI training Full Course |
I need some help using the CITI Training Program
Cornell uses an online training program called CITI (Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative) to provide some courses in research ethics, including online RCR training. Here you can find instructions for some things you may need to do in CITI.
I took RCR Training at another Institution. What do I do?
- If you took RCR training in CITI while at another institution, click here for guidance.
- If you took RCR training while at another institution (not through CITI), please send copies of your course completion records to rcr@cornell.edu. If the course meets Cornell’s standards for training in RCR, we will grant you credit for your training.
Can I check to see if someone’s training is up-to-date?
Yes, anyone with a Cornell NetID can view the following: