If you are a graduate student or a postdoctoral fellow and the recipient of a grant or a fellowship, instruction in the responsible conduct of research or scholarship is required to serve as a principal investigator. However, the requirements do not need to be completed prior to the receipt of funding. The Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) requirements must be completed during the initial budget period of the grant or fellowship, or during the first twelve (12) months of the grant or fellowship, whichever is shorter.

Graduate programs exercise discretion in determining the curriculum appropriate for instruction in the responsible conduct of research and scholarship in their discipline. Completion of the Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) parts 1 & 2 in-person and online workshops may not be the curriculum preferred by your graduate program or department. The director of graduate studies, the departmental administration, or the RCR program can provide additional information or assistance in meeting the RCR requirement.

If you need to include a description of the RCR curriculum in your application for funding, we have developed suggested wording that meets the criteria of most funding agencies.

For more information or any questions, please feel free to contact Carol Foth directly at rschtrng@umn.edu or 612-624-1854.