RCR Training and Resource Topics

The publication, On Being a Scientist (3rd edition) from the National Academy of Sciences, provided informal lessons in ethics for both research supervisors and mentors. The book describes the ethical foundations of scientific practices and some of the personal and professional issues that researchers encounter in their work. 

Training topics covered under the CITI RCR modules includes the below information. Additional resources are also provided.

Data Acquisition and analysis

Accurate collection of data and use of laboratory tools for analyzing data and creating or working with digital images; proper recordkeeping practices, including methods such as electronic laboratory notebooks

For more information:

• Office of Research Integrity RCR Casebook: Data Acquisition and Management

Managing sharing, and ownership of data

More focus on data confidentiality as well as secure and ethical data use

For more information:

• UMBC Intellectual Property Policy
• National Institutes of Health (NIH) Dating Sharing Policy
• United States Copyright Office United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)
• Repositories for Sharing Scientific Data

Conflict of Interest & Conflict of Commitment to not Adversely Influence the Research 

Management of real or perceived personal, professional conflicts of interest and financial interference; management of allocating time, effort, or other research resources

For more information:

• UMBC Policy on Individual Conflicts of Interest in Research and Product Development (UMBC III-1.11.01)
• Procedures to Implement UMBC III-1.11.01
• USM Policy on Conflicts of Interest in Research or Development (USM III-1.11)
• UMBC Interim Policy on Conflicts of Interest in PHS Research (UMBC III-1.11.02)
• NIH Office of Extramural Research Conflict of Interest Page

Research Misconduct

Avoid and deal with issues of egregious behavior (i.e. fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism – FFP)

For more information:

• UMBC Policy for Handling Allegations of Misconduct in Research and other Scholarly Activities (UMBC III-1.10.01)
• Federal Research Misconduct Policy – OSTP
• ORI Model Policy and Procedures for Responding to Allegations of Scientific Misconduct
• Handling Misconduct – Legal Concerns
• Using SafeAssignment in Blackboard to check academic and research papers
• Forensic Tools from ORI – Tools for Examination of Plagiarism and Examination of Scientific Images

Publication Practices & Responsible Authorship

Accurate report of the results and an honest and open assessment of the finding

For more information:

• ORI Policy on Plagiarism
• American Chemical Society Ethical Guidelines to Publication of Chemical Research
• Council of Science Editors

Mentor / Trainee Responsibilities

Clear understanding of mutual responsibilities/proper supervision and a commitment for a productive environment

For more information:

• UMBC Guidelines and Resources Document for Mentoring
• Additional Mentoring Resources Human Resources UMBC 

Peer Review

Understanding of self-regulation of the discipline and the responsibility for maintaining confidentiality and security in peer review

For more information:

• Council of Scientific Editors Editorial Policy Statements
• National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Extramural Research (OER): Peer Review Policy and Issues

Collaborative Research

Clarification of collaborative research roles including those with industry and investigators and institutions in other countries

For more information:

• Overcoming Barriers to Collaborative Research

Human Subjects

Protection of subjects and compliance with relevant Federal regulations as well as institutional guidelines and policies

For more information:

• 45 CFR Part 46- Protection of Human Subjects
• Belmont Report
• Declaration of Helsinki

Research Involving Animals

Humane care and use and compliance with relevant Federal regulations as well as institutional guidelines and policies

For more information:

• Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW)
• PHS Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals
• Animal Welfare Act
• Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals

Safe Research Environments

Promote inclusion and are free of sexual, racial, ethnic, disability and other forms of discriminatory harassment

For more information:

• UMBC’s Office of Equity and Inclusion (OEI) is responsible for promoting and coordinating the University’s core values of inclusive excellence, equity, diversity. Further information is found on the OEI site.

The Scientist as a Responsible Member of Society

Understanding contemporary ethical issues in biomedical research, the environmental and societal impacts of scientific research

For more information:

• Office of Research Integrity RCR Casebook: Social Responsibility

FAQ’s

What is “Research Integrity”, from the NIH

UMBC Graduate School information for Responsible Conduct of Research Policy and Training

 

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