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Northwestern University

Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR)

Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR)

RCR training compliance is managed through the Office for Research Integrity.

The goal of RCR training is for anyone involved in research to conduct their work in the most ethical manner possible.  The National Science Foundation (NSF) mandates that, at the time of proposal submission, institutions must have a plan in place to provide appropriate RCR training and oversight for any student (graduate or undergraduate) or postdoctoral fellow supported by NSF. The National Institutes for Health (NIH) also requires RCR training. 

In an effort to standardize the RCR training required for NSF trainees, Northwestern developed the plan below that went into effect on September 1, 2015. The policy applies to any undergraduate student, graduate student, or postdoctoral scholar funded by NSF.

Tracking of RCR training compliance (NSF only) is facilitated by the Office for Research Integrity, via myHR Learn.

Online and Instructor-Led RCR Training

Online Training: Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI Program):

    Topics include:

Click here for instructions on accessing CITI web-based RCR training.

Instructor-Led Training

Graduate students and postdoctoral fellows must also complete a minimum 4 hours of in-person classroom training offered by their home department within one year of initial salary charges.  In some cases, scholars are permitted to take courses offered by other departments.  PhD students register through CAESAR; postdocs register through myHR Learn.

Weinberg RCR Training Requirement Policy

If training is not completed within above timeframe, charges will be removed from the grant.

Training conducted at outside institutions does not fulfill Northwestern requirements.


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