Education in the Responsible Conduct of Research

 

Curriculum and Resources for Faculty and Student Development

 

In accordance with education in the Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) initiated by the Office of Research Integrity of NIH, The University of Memphis has developed the following curriculum and resource materials to educate students and faculty in the major domains of RCR.  This basic curriculum is the foundation for the development and delivery of additional educational programs in RCR.  Complete review of this curriculum is a minimum requirement for faculty and students engaged in sponsored research at the University of Memphis.  We also anticipate that this material will be reviewed by all investigators including those involved in non-sponsored University research.

 

This curriculum covers 9 topics relevant to RCR and presents learning objectives, relevant UM policies, resource links, and references for each of the 9 modules.  This is a work in progress and will be updated every 6 months.

 

These 9 educational modules are a basic foundation and should be used to encourage consistency in coverage of important ethical issues through undergraduate and graduate programs and through faculty and staff development programs.  We expect that each educational unit within the University will adapt these basic materials to their specific needs. 

 

© 2002 by the Board of Regents of the University of Memphis.

All rights reserved. All non-University materials used with permission.  Produced by Arthur C. Houts and Peggy Vanco for The Office of the Vice Provost for Research October 2002.

 

Brief Background

 

Scientists and scholars have increasingly recognized that their work takes place in a broad social context where the social and commercial consequences of research and scholarship impact all those involved.  Private and public funding of research and scholarship have brought increased scrutiny and greater demands for accountability from the university community.  The University of Memphis has responded to these developments by providing education to faculty and students to increase their awareness of ethical and value issues in the conduct of research.  This is part of a nationwide effort to bring educational programs in Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) to all research institutions.

 

The University of Memphis RCR curriculum is divided into 9 modules listed below.  These are the basic requirements for all faculty, staff, and students.  Individual educational units within the University may adapt the order of presentation to meet their special needs.  To certify your completion of these modules, instructions are available at this link (we will have a link that sends a pre-worded e-mail to the Office of Sponsored Research thus documenting completion of review of these materials and creating a record of compliance).

 

1.         Historical Background and General Information about Responsible Conduct of Research

2.         Human Participants

3.         Research Misconduct

4.         Authorship

5.         Mentoring

6.         Conflict of Interest

7.         Data Management

8.         Intellectual Property

9.         Animal Care and Use

 

Each Module contains the following sections:

 

Statement of Objectives

Relevant University of Memphis policies

Resource Links

References

 

These modules contain the minimum basic information.  Departments and subunits may use these as teaching guides and source material for more expanded educational efforts.