Responsible conduct of research

The application of best practices in the proposing, performing, or reviewing research, or in reporting research results regardless of the scientific or scholarly discipline. RCR encompasses responsible and ethical conduct of research and of research compliance. The latter is comprised of complying with all applicable laws, regulations and policies governing research, including but not limited to human subjects, use of animals in research, export control, Conflict of Interest (COI) (personal, professional, and financial), and safe laboratory practices as examples. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) defines RCR as “the practice of scientific investigation with integrity. It involves the awareness and application of established professional norms and ethical principles in the performance of all activities related to scientific research.” NIH: Update on the Requirement for Instruction in the Responsible Conduct of Research (2009)