Take the Lead in Responsible Research
Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research (RECR)
Build your foundation for ethical research with training and tools that support integrity, transparency, and accountability. From navigating compliance to making thoughtful decisions, RECR resources help you do research the right way—every step of the process.
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RECR Certificate
The Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research (RECR) Certificate from the Office of Research Education provides essential training to support ethical decision-making, research integrity, and compliance with federal standards. Designed for all members of the research community, this certificate helps foster responsible practices across disciplines and career stages.
Is RECR Training Required For You?
RECR training is required for anyone paid through federally funded research grants (NSF, NIH, USDA, and others). Training must be completed within set timeframes and refreshed every three years for NIH-funded researchers. Staying compliant helps you uphold research integrity and meet federal standards.
The NIH defines responsible conduct of research as practicing science with integrity—applying ethical principles and professional standards throughout the research process. Training should promote active learning and meaningful discussion.
Video conferencing can be part of this instruction, but it shouldn’t be the only method. NIH expects face-to-face engagement, whether in person or virtual, to encourage interaction and thoughtful dialogue. Fully remote plans are only acceptable in limited cases, such as short-term training programs outlined in NIH policy (NOT-OD-10-019)
As of July 2023, the National Science Foundation requires institutions to provide training in Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research (RECR) and Research Mentoring (RM). These policies apply to all researchers supported by NSF funding and are outlined in the current Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide (PAPPG 23-1).
Use these Tools to Determine Your Requirement
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Research Misconduct Reporting
The Research Integrity Officer (RIO) oversees the university’s process for handling allegations of research misconduct. They ensure investigations are fair, thorough, and consistent with institutional and federal policies, while supporting a culture of integrity in research.
To Report Research Misconduct
Responsible Conduct of Research Free Course
Explore free, public courses on Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR), designed to support ethical research practices across disciplines.