PURPOSE OF THIS POLICY

This policy sets forth expectations to fulfill legally mandated training in responsible conduct of research at Colorado State University.

APPLICATION OF THIS POLICY

This policy applies to researchers at Colorado State University who participate in sponsored projects that require responsible conduct of research training as an award condition (either directly from a funding agency or as flow-through funding), including all employees, trainees, students, affiliates, subrecipients, and the like.

EXEMPTIONS FROM THIS POLICY

There are no exemptions from compliance with this policy.

DEFINITIONS USED IN THIS POLICY

Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR): The practice of scientific investigation with integrity. RCR involves the awareness and application of established professional norms and ethical principles in the performance of all activities related to scientific research.

Responsible Conduct of Research Training: The requirements for topics to be covered and the mode of delivery vary by funding agency. The Office of the Vice President for Research will establish training standards that fulfill these requirements and communicate them to the research community.

POLICY STATEMENT

Researchers at Colorado State University who participate in sponsored projects that require responsible conduct of research (RCR) training as an award condition must complete RCR training as prescribed by the Office of the Vice President for Research.

POLICY PROVISIONS

The Vice President for Research will oversee compliance with RCR training, including outlining training standards, developing administrative procedures, providing subject matter expertise to the research community, and approving graduate courses that carry an RCR designation.

COMPLIANCE WITH THIS POLICY

Compliance with this policy is required as a condition of receipt and expenditure of funding associated with sponsored projects. The consequences for non-compliance may include removal and/or reversal of financial support for individuals who have not completed RCR training. Additional remedies for non-compliance may include further action under Academic Faculty and Administrative Professional Manual Section D.9 and CSU Policy 7-2001-006 (Research and Research-related Misconduct).

REFERENCES

NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH

NIH Grants Policy Statement – Section 12.4.1.4, Training in the Responsible Conduct of Research

NOT-OD-10-019 – Update on the Requirement for Instruction in the Responsible Conduct of Research (identifies relevant grant codes requiring RCR training)

NOT-OD-22-055 – FY 2022 Updated Guidance: Requirement for Instruction in the Responsible Conduct of Research

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

USDA NIFA – Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research

2 CFR Part 422 Sections 2, 3, and 8

NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION

Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research

Proposal and Award Policy and Procedures Guide (PAPPG) Section IX.B.—Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research (RECR)

America COMPETES Act § 7009 (42 USC 1862o-1)

CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 § 10337

U.S. OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET

Uniform Guidance 2 C.F.R. 200.334

COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY

Academic Faculty and Administrative Professional Manual – Section D.9

CSU Policy: Research and Research-related Misconduct

PROCEDURES, FORMS AND TOOLS

Procedures: Researchers paid from sponsored projects that require RCR training will be identified using payroll data. Researchers will receive automated emails from the RCR training program: additional follow-up with the researcher and unit leadership will occur if needed. The VPR will review all training records against awards once a quarter.

Forms: The RCR training program is part of the Office of the Vice President for Research’s larger research integrity, safety, and compliance unit. The RCR training program will maintain a website to house all relevant programmatic information for the research community.

Tools: Asynchronous RCR training will be completed using a subscription to the RCR training module in CITI Program. Face-to-Face training will be completed through RCR-approved graduate coursework for graduate students and post-doctoral fellows. Additional RCR training opportunities for faculty and senior/key personnel will include lectures, symposia, and presentations hosted by Colorado State University, professional societies, or similar venues.

APPROVALS

Approved by Amy Parsons, President, June 23, 2025