Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR)

Scripps Research expects the highest ethical standards of professional conduct by its members in performing scholarly and scientific activities. The enterprise of science relies upon the trust and confidence of both the scientific community and the public at large in the integrity of the scientific process. Scripps Research is dedicated to providing its scientists with the training that will enable them to carry out their professional activities in a manner that reflects the values of honesty, accuracy, objectivity, and efficiency that lie at the core of research integrity.

Training requirements
NIH: All trainees, fellows, participants and scholars supported by funds received from NIH or career development awards (K-series individual or institutional), research education T-series grants, and NRSA awards (F series) must receive RCR formal instruction.

The NIH Notice entitled “Update on the Requirement for Instruction in the Responsible Conduct of Research” that details the new requirements effective January 25, 2010 can be accessed at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-10-019.html

NSF: Section 7009 of the America Competes Act requires that “…each institution that applies for financial assistance from NSF for science and engineering research or education describe in its grant proposal a plan to provide appropriate training and oversight in the responsible and ethical conduct of research to undergraduate students, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers participating in the proposed research project.”

The NSF Notice for all new awards effective January 4, 2010, be accessed at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-19930.htm.

Training opportunities
On Campus
CPDO staff and Scripps faculty present a course that meets eight times for two hours each day. Courses are offered every March and August. Space is limited and priority is given on a first-come, first-served basis to trainees who have received fellowships or are on training grants. You must register in advance for this course by emailing CPDO. Upon successful completion, you will receive a certificate for your records.  

Off Campus
Scripps Research contracts with University of California San Diego to provide ethics training that meets NIH’s criteria. With approval, Scripps Research postdocs are eligible to attend an ethics course at UCSD at no cost. You can sign up for the in-person courses linked through the registration page or contact the Research Ethics Program at ethics@ucsd.edu. Let UCSD know that you are a Scripps Research postdoctoral trainee.

Grant support text
The CPDO provides a template for addressing RCR Training Requirements in Fellowship Applications (Intranet access only).