The Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) is foundational for maintaining the integrity and credibility of scientific inquiry. It encompasses a set of ethical guidelines and best practices that researchers should follow to ensure their work is honest, transparent, and respectful of ethical guidelines to protect all stakeholders in research. While some funders may require specific RCR training, researchers are expected to follow RCR best practices regardless of funding.
Key Principles of RCR
The key principles of RCR emphasize advancing knowledge in a way that is respectful to those involved in the process and that maintains public confidence in scientific findings.
- Honesty: Being truthful in all aspects of research, including data collection, analysis, and reporting.
- Accountability: Taking responsibility for the design, execution, and communication of research findings.
- Transparency: Maintaining openness in research methodologies, data sharing, and publication.
- Rigor and Reproducibility: Conducting trustworthy research that can be built upon by future studies.
Training Topics
- Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) in the Age of AI (March 25, 2026)
- Responsible Research Writing: Ethics, Authorship, and AI (July 2, 2025)
- Bridging Ethics in Research (June 25, 2025)
Related Policies and Guidelines
- Procedures for Human Subjects Research Protection
- Policy on Academic Conflict of Interest and Conflict of Commitment
- Memo on Implementation of Journal Alerting Requirement (2025)
- Authorship Guidelines
- Retention of and Access to Research Data
- Principles and Procedures for Dealing with Allegations of Research Misconduct
- Educational and Research Uses of Copyrighted Materials Policy Statement
Contacts
Human Subjects Protection
- Responsible Person: Xi Wang
- Contact Email: RCOinfo@nyu.edu
Conflict of Interest
- Responsible Person: Alyshea Austern
- Contact Email: aa5527@nyu.edu
Compliance and Risk Management
- Responsible Person: Li Lin
- Contact Email: shanghai.compliance@nyu.edu
Resources
- Resource Guide on Selecting Reputable Journals (2025)
- RCR Training: Introduction to Research Compliance, Ethics, and Integrity (March 21, 2024)
- RCR Training: Authorship and Responsible Publication Practices (April 18, 2024)