Required Training for Research Misconduct

 define research misconduct as 鈥渇abrication, falsification, or plagiarism in proposing, performing, or reviewing research, or in reporting research results.鈥� Faculty, staff, and students of KSU are expected to conform to the highest ethical and legal standards in research and creative activities. The scholarly misconduct policy is located in the .

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services  has numerous resources and information regarding the responsible conduct of research.

Responsible Conduct of Research Training

Ideally, all researchers will receive formal (or at least informal) RCR training at various points in their careers. Currently, there are no systematic training requirements for all researchers. This is an area that is continually examined and reevaluated at the national level.

  • For example, see the

In addition, the Office of Research will require RCR training for any postdoctoral researchers supported by funds from our office.

students conducting research in lab

Some researchers are required to complete RCR training per federal sponsor requirements:

  • All investigators on projects supported by  (submissions starting July 31, 2023; students and trainees paid for NSF funds for submissions prior to July 31, 2023)
  • Trainees supported by  (fellowships and training grants, including NRSA fellowships)

Responsible Conduct of Research Course

KSU now offers in-person RCR training via a zero-credit course cross-listed for undergraduate and graduate students: RES 4100/6100 Responsible Conduct of Research. This class will have at least one section per fall and spring semester. Additional sections by program or research area can be offered in consultation with the Director of Research Compliance. Any non-student researcher is free to attend the course on an unofficial audit basis; upon successful completion attendees will receive a certificate signifying compliance with RCR training requirements that satisfy federal regulations.

 

CITI RCR training is still available and highly encouraged for all faculty, staff, and student researchers at KSU. Please note that this training does not meet NIH requirements due to the lack of a face-to-face component. This course also does not satisfy the requirements for Institutional Review Board human subjects research protocol approval. CITI training does meet the faculty and other senior personnel training requirement for NSF awards.

Federal sponsor agencies are currently revisiting RCR training requirements as part of the changes included in the CHIPS and Science Act. We will monitor the guidance coming out of the federal government and notify affected research project teams of any changes as we learn of them.

Please contact researchcomp@kennesaw.edu with any questions you may have.