RCR training is an essential component to make certain that the research activities of UNLV faculty, staff, and students are conducted with integrity and in compliance with regulatory guidance. RCR is defined by The National Institutes of Health, (“NIH”) as the practice of scientific investigation with integrity. It involves the awareness and application of established professional norms and ethical principles in the performance of all activities related to scientific research.

The UNLV Division of Research offers in-person RCR training that covers topics such as Acquisition, Sharing and Ownership of Data; Conflict of Interest; Collaborative Research; Mentor/Trainee Relationships; Peer Review; Ethical Responsibilities in Research, Publication, Practices and Authorship; and Research Misconduct.

Participants also complete Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (“CITI”) training in either the Biomedical Responsible Conduct of Research or Social and Behavioral Responsible Conduct of research.

Who Is Required to Complete the Training?

RCR is mandatory for all individuals who have received applicable grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Science Foundation (NSF), or the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). This includes faculty, as well as all postdoctoral associates, graduate students, and undergraduate students who receive salary from the applicable grants whose roles are related to conducting research.

All training should be completed prior to beginning research on NSF, NIH or USDA-National Institute of Food and Agriculture award.

The RCR training is also open to any existing faculty or other members of the UNLV community who wish to attend. We would like to ensure everyone is educated on the importance of conducting research responsibly.

How Long Do I Have to Complete RCR Training and When Will It Be Offered?

Participants will have 1 year to complete all components of the training in order to earn their RCR certificate. All RCR trainees will begin training by completing the online CITI RCR course. This must be completed prior to completing any in-person modules. In-person RCR training will be offered 4 times per year. Participation is flexible as long as all components are completed within 1 year of the initial CITI RCR course completion date.

The current schedule is as follows:

  • October 11 and 18, 2024
  • November 8 and 15, 2024
  • February 14 and 21, 2025
  • March 7 and 14, 2025
  • October 10 and 17, 2025
  • November 7 and 14, 2025

What Is the Period for Certification?

RCR certification must be renewed once every four years.

How Do I Sign Up for Training?

CITI training

Choose one:

  • Biomedical Responsible Conduct of Research- ID 26762
  • Social and Behavioral Responsible Conduct of Research- ID 26763

RCR in person training: Link will be provided via email to sign up for training. The following topics are covered via stand-alone modules that are approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes in length.

  • General Ethical Responsibilities & Research Misconduct
  • Conflict of Interest
  • Acquisition, Sharing and Ownership of Data
  • Collaborative Research
  • Peer Review, Publications, Practices & Authorship
  • Mentor/Trainee Relationships

RCR Training Exemption

If you complete one of the following courses listed below you do not need to take RCR Training as these four courses are designed to cover all of the same topics but delve deeper into case studies and discussion. Each of these semester long courses has a minimum of 14-hours of face-to-face instruction.

  • BIOL 701 - Ethics in Scientific Research
  • EAB 704 - Research Integrity & Ethics
  • PSY 756 - Ethics, Professional Issues, and Diversity in Psychological & Brain Sciences
  • NEUS 701 - Ethics in Health Research

If you have questions or concerns, please contact:

Joey Sassaman
Research Integrity Officer
joey.sassaman@unlv.edu
702-895-5948

Additional Resources