Trainees and instructors, get a quick overview of recent updates to NIH’s responsible conduct of research (RCR) policy and new recommendations for your instruction in the 2022 to 2023 academic year.
We have updated the NIAID Responsible Conduct of Research—Training SOP to reflect the new guidance, so be sure to check it for details. RCR is defined as the practice of scientific investigation with integrity, including awareness and application of established professional norms and ethical principles.
The NIH Strategic Plan for Data Science, Federal Strategic Plan for STEM Education, and your community feedback have all underscored the need for further RCR education as a fundamental element of research training.
In response, NIH recently issued the Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 Updated Guidance on the Requirement for Instruction in RCR. It revises the FY 2010 RCR Policy and provides new guidance on training format, frequency, timing, and subject matter. The remainder of the FY 2010 Policy is still in place.
In the coming months, NIH expects your institution to incorporate the FY 2022 changes into both of the following:
- Plans for RCR instruction for the 2022 to 2023 academic year.
- New and renewal applications for research training, career development, research education, and dissertation research grants beginning with the September 25, 2022 due dates.
We plan to publish a follow-up NIAID Funding News article on this topic with more details and new NIAID resources to support your curriculum development efforts. Direct your RCR policy questions to NIHTrain@mail.nih.gov. If you have NIAID-specific questions, reach out to our Research Training Help Desk at AITrainingHelpDesk@niaid.nih.gov.