Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR)

CSUF requires training to ensure the highest ethical and professional standards for conducting research. Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) training is intended to promote awareness of principles and practices that facilitate ethical and responsible research across all areas of research and scholarship. The Associate Vice President (AVP) of The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs and the Research Compliance Office, in concert with faculty and staff, developed the RCR training planPDF File Opens in new window . The AVP maintains oversight of this plan.

In response to the National Science Foundation’s (NSF)Opens in new window and the National Institutes of Health (NIH)Opens in new window requirements, CSU Fullerton requires all postdocs, graduate, undergraduate students, trainees, and fellows who receive funding (salary and/or stipend) from either one of these funding agencies to complete the Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) Training. For projects funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)Opens in new window all research personnel including PIs, co-PIs and Key Personnel are required to complete the RCR training. This training is provided through the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI). In addition, an additional 8 hours of face-to-face training is required for those receiving NIH funds. For the complete description of this required training please visit NIH’s webpage on an Update on the Requirement for Instruction in the Responsible Conduct of ResearchOpens in new window .

Step-by-step instructions on how to create a CITIOpens in new window account and register for the correct course for the Responsible Conduct of Research can be downloaded below.

CITI step-by-step Instructions Creating an AccountPDF File Opens in new window

CITI step-by-step Instructions for Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR)PDF File Opens in new window

You may complete the RCR Training in one or multiple login sessions. Upon completion, a course completion report is available to print directly from your account.  Download a PDF of the detailed Completion Report (which includes quiz scores for the modules completed), and forward a copy to the Research Compliance office at researchcompliance@fullerton.edu. Once our office receives the report, we will update our records to show that you have completed this training.

CITI step-by-step Instructions Downloading PDF Completion ReportPDF File Opens in new window

Once the initial CITI modules are completed, you will need to complete a refresher course every three years. CITI offers an automated alert system to remind learners, by email, that the refresher or recertification training is due.

If you have any questions about the training, please send your questions to: researchcompliance@fullerton.edu