Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research (RECR)
The Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research (RECR) program is designed to create an awareness of ethical principles and established professional norms in the performance of all activities related to scholarship and research. Ultimately, our goal is to further foster trust among scholars and researchers and to increase the public’s support for research.
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What is RECR?
The responsible and ethical conduct of research (RECR), as defined by the NSF, is critical for excellence, as well as public trust, in science and engineering. RECR involves not only a responsibility to generate and disseminate knowledge with rigor and integrity, but also a responsibility to:
- Conduct peer review with the highest ethical standards.
- Diligently protect proprietary information and intellectual property from inappropriate disclosure.
- Treat students and colleagues fairly and with respect.
Education in RECR is considered essential in the preparation of future scientists and engineers.
Need to Know
- SARI has been rebranded to RECR
- Graduate programs should update their RECR Plan (see rollout and information session schedule)
- ORP offers many ways for graduate students, post docs and new faculty to earn RECR hours
RECR at Penn State
RECR Orientation
At the beginning of each semester, the Office for Research Protections hosts RECR orientation sessions designed for graduate students to learn about basic RECR topics.
Attendance at the RECR Orientation is eligible for 0.5 hours of RECR credit.
IRB Orientation
At the beginning of each semester, the Office of Research Protections hosts IRB Orientation sessions designed to introduce researchers to IRB requirements, review processes, submission materials, and resources available to support human subjects research.
Attendance at the IRB Orientation is eligible for 1.0 hour of RECR credit.
RECR Workshops and Events
Each fall and spring semester, 10-12 workshops are offered on a variety of Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research (RECR) topics.
Attendance at a RECR workshop is eligible for 1.0 hour of RECR credit.
Curriculum
ORP offers a suite of resources around RECR topics, including but not limited to:
Institutional Requirements
Penn State requires RECR for all graduate students, postdocs, and new faculty to ensure the ethical conduct of research and scholarship at the University. In addition, undergraduate students participating in research must also participate in RECR training.
RECR programming options for professional programs that do not conduct research are now available.
Graduate Program Plan Roll-out Schedule
All graduate programs must complete a new RECR plan using our updated form. This form is designed to be agile and flexible, allowing programs to make updates at any time as their needs evolve. Submission of the new form is required for all programs, even if no changes are planned.
Tracking & Plan Development (Program Administrators)
RECR is tracked as a Milestone in LionPath. Graduate program administrators are responsible for keeping track of students’ progress for fulfilling their RECR requirements in LionPath.
Announcements
Office for Research Protections
Address
200 Innovation Blvd.
Suite 110
University Park, PA 16802
The Office for Research Protections (ORP) ensures that research at the University is conducted in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations and guidelines that protect human participants, animals, students, and personnel involved with research.