Effective July 31, 2023, RCR* training is required for all researchers (undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, faculty and other senior personnel) receiving support from NSF.  Completing CITI’s RCR training course with a focus on Biomedical, Social and Behavioral Research, Physical Science or Humanities fulfills the Investigator requirements for NSF sponsored programs.

* The NSF uses the term Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research (RECR).  NDSU uses RCR and RECR interchangeably.

USDA-NIFA requires, in advance of participation, completion of RCR training by all program directors, faculty, undergraduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and any staff participating in the awarded research project.  Completing CITI’s RCR training module for USDA-NIFA projects fulfills this requirement.  Documentation of training must be maintained and provided to NIFA upon request.

The NIH requires that all trainees, fellows, participants and scholars receiving support through any NIH training, career development award (individual or institutional), research education grant, and/or dissertation research grant, or as stated in the relevant funding opportunity announcement, must receive instruction in responsible conduct of research. 

While NIH recognizes that online courses can be a valuable supplement to formal instruction in RCR, eight (8) hours of face-to-face discussion-based training is required.  Personnel supported by applicable NIH awards shall complete the appropriate CITI RCR course prior to engaging in NIH supported research.  Discussion-based training may be completed over the course of the first year of participation in an applicable award.  Investigators may satisfy requirements for discussion-based training by enrolling in MICR 720 Scientific Integrity, or participating in other training developed by the Principal Investigator or other RCR experts.  Contact the RISC office to develop and register a plan for completion the discussion-based training.