Research at Northern Illinois University has traditionally and routinely been performed at a high level of quality and scholarly integrity. In order to continue this tradition, it is necessary faculty, staff and students participate in continuous Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) training and comply with NIU’s RCR Policy.
RCR Topics
Research Misconduct
Data Acquisition and Management
Responsible Authorship and Publication
Peer Review
Mentoring
Conflicts of Interest
Collaborative Research
Animal Care and Use
Laboratory Safety
Human Subjects Research
The research community has recognized personal and professional rewards from training in the Responsible Conduct of Research. All National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health Training and United States Department of Agriculture (NIFA) grants require RCR training for certain types of personnel receiving salaries or stipend support on these awards. Even researchers who do not have the requirement will benefit from the training, which strengthens and broadens the ethical awareness surrounding research. While online training is always available, NIU also offers in-person training from the RCR Forum Series to better serve the community and meet the increased demand for training.
Principal Investigators receiving a new NSF award on or after July 1, 2023, will need to ensure that all undergraduate students, graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, faculty and other senior personnel supported by the proposed research project receive RCR training. Principal Investigators and key personnel have three months from the start date of their award to complete the training. Personnel in all other positions must complete the training within a year.
Authorship
Responsible authorship is necessary to academic integrity. NIU faculty, staff and students are asked to follow the guidelines in our Authorship Policy when writing articles or publications.