New faculty members and others eligible to serve as principal investigators have twelve (12) months from the date of their initial appointment to complete instruction in the Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR).

When a proposal is routed to the Electronic Grants Management System (EGMS), it sends an automated email if RCR courses are not complete. This email does not stop proposals; it's purpose is notification. Individuals applying for and/or receiving an award during the first twelve (12) months should respond to this email acknowledging the requirement and providing the date of their appointment. After the date of the appointment is verified, the award process will continue. The principal investigator needs to ensure that the RCR courses are completed during the time remaining of the original 12 months.

If the core RCR curriculum (RCR Parts 1 & 2) is not completed within the initial twelve (12) months, the PI will be notified by email that an award has been received but is being held. The funds will not be released until the educational requirements are met.

More information is available about Course Schedule & Registration and/or Additional Courses that may be necessary depending upon the nature of your research. Additionally, RCR Part 2 topics are available online. More information about these online workshops is available on our Electronic Courses page.

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 fothx001@umn.edu or 612-624-1854.