Responsible Conduct of Research

Responsible conduct of research (RCR) is defined as engaging in scientific inquiry with integrity which includes being aware of and applying established professional norms and ethics when engaging in all research related activities. Numerous federal agencies, such as the National Institute of Health (NIH), National Science Foundation (NSF), US Department of Agriculture (USDA), and American Psychological Association (APA) define the responsible conduct of research through nine areas:

1. Collaborative Science

When collaborating on research, such as sharing resources/equipment, seeking input and advice from others, and creating partnerships, researchers should design a clear collaboration plan that defines roles and responsibilities and serves to mitigate conflict.

2. Conflicts of Interest/Commitments

Not all conflicts of interest are detrimental, but they must be clearly acknowledged and managed ethically. Learn more about FCOI.

3. Data Acquisition, Management, Sharing, and Ownership

Ensuring the integrity of data includes how it is acquired, how it is managed, how it is shared and with whom, and who owns the data. For more information on managing data, view the Guidelines for Responsible Data Management in Scientific Research document from the US Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Integrity.

4. Human Research Protections

Protecting human participants is a central role of the Institute Review Board (IRB) and is most common in biomedical, behavioral and social sciences, and education fields.

5. Lab Animal Welfare

Protecting animals is the central role of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) and is most common in biological and agricultural fields.

6. Mentoring

Taking on the role of mentoring a less-experienced scholar or research is a professional responsibility and should follow ethical protocols. For more information on mentoring, view this Introduction to Mentoring guide from the American Psychological Association.

7. Peer Review

A peer-review process provides feedback from colleagues with similar backgrounds, expertise and knowledge, and serves to move the field of study forward. The peer-review process must follow ethical protocols.

8. Publication Practices and Responsible Authorship

Ensuring accurate and honest reporting of findings ensures integrity across all fields of study. Determining authorship order is included in this domain.

9. Research Misconduct

FHSU has procedures in place to investigate and report findings of misconduct to the Office of Research Integrity (ORI), including a Policy on Research Misconduct.

For more information, view the Office of Research Integrity's Introduction to the Responsible Conduct of Research.