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
Orientation Sessions
At the beginning of each semester, the Office for Research Protections hosts orientation sessions designed for graduate students to learn about basic RECR topics. Attending an orientation session earns 30 minutes of RECR credit.
IRB Workshops
The Education program typically sees a high volume of requests for IRB training near mid-semester as students plan their projects. To ensure IRB training is available for classes and programs requiring this information, we will also offer mid-semester workshops on IRB submission. Attending one of these sessions earns 45 minutes of RECR credit. Note: Faculty and programs can opt to use the RECR Orientation and Intro to IRB Workshops in lieu of having an ORP Educator attend an individual class session.
RECR Workshops and Events
Each semester 10-12 workshops are offered around RECR topics. One-hour of RECR credit is available for each eligible workshop.
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.
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.
Funder Expectations
Funding agencies such as NSF, NIH, USDA, and others may have specific requirements around RCR/RECR education. Review the guidance and requirements.
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.
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.