Responsible Conduct of Research
Background
The University believes that training in the responsible conduct of research is an essential component of post-graduate education. For a number of years, several departments have been providing training in this area, each focused on issues related to their disciplines and utilizing a combination of didactic and small-group discussion based formats. For more than a decade, the National Institutes of Health have required training in the responsible conduct of research for students supported on training grants and individual fellowships. The National Science Foundation is now implementing a similar requirement, effective January 4, 2010, following Section 7009 of the “America Competes” Act.
Accordingly, the Graduate School, working with the Office of the Dean for Research and the University Research Board, has broadened its commitment to this form of professional development, beyond agency requirements, to cover a broader group of those conducting research as part of their graduate education.
Policy
Effective January 1, 2010, it is Princeton’s policy to provide education in the responsible conduct of research (RCR) to graduate students and post-doctoral researchers proactively as an important element in their training and to undergraduates and other short-term researchers in compliance with regulations of federal research sponsors.
Plan
Plan
The University plan requires that all federally funded students and post-docs receive RCR training. The plan assumes and expects that all graduate students in the division of the social and natural sciences, and engineering, as part of their doctoral or research master’s education, will receive RCR instruction by means of a course, taught in the department, or in reasonable groupings of departments. These courses, proposed by the departments and reviewed and approved by the Graduate School, must contain a significant discussion component, in addition to other forms of presentation.
Contact Information
Graduate School Office
Cole Crittenden
Associate Dean, Academic Affairs
113 Clio Hall
e-mail: ccritt@princeton.edu
Tel 609-258-3902
Fax 609-258-6180
Dean of Research Office
Karla Ewalt
Associate Dean for Research
91 Prospect St.
e-mail: kewalt@princeton.edu