Academic integrity and research ethics are fundamental to the practice of science. We have created a rigorous program to train students in the highest standards for conducting research. All biomedical PhD students are required to participate in in-person and online RCR courses for a total of 18 contact hours. To receive credit for RCR training, students complete written assessments and course credit is formally tracked by the university registrar to ensure that all RCR requirements are met prior to graduation. The following requirements apply to students that matriculate in Fall 2020 or later. If you matriculated prior to Fall 2020, transitional requirements are outlined here.
First year
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Introduction to RCR Concepts: All first year biomedical PhD students will participate in BIOTRAIN 750, a one day event prior to the start of classes in August. Topics covered will include conflict management, choosing a mentor, integrating well-being into graduate school, data management, identifying and reducing biases, and diversity, equity and inclusion at Duke. This will provide 4 RCR credit hours.
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The Responsible Scientist I: In the Spring, all first year students will participate in BIOTRAIN 751, a semester long course that utilizes online lectures/modules, in-person lectures and small group discussions, and focuses on Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) and Rigor & Reproducibility (R&R) topics for early-stage graduate students. Each topic is accompanied by a short assessment and bi-monthly small group sessions. This will provide 4 RCR credit hours.
Second and third years
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Data Management and Quality for Biomedical PhD Students: At some point during the second or third year of the PhD program, every student will complete a self-paced, online BIOTRAIN 753. This course is offered via Duke LMS (Learning Management System) in partnership with DOSI-ASIST and includes a set of 3 online interactive modules. Each module is accompanied by an assessment. This will provide 2 RCR credit hours.
Fourth year
- The Responsible Scientist II: In the Spring of the 4th year, all students will participate in BIOTRAIN 754, a semester long course that utilizes online lectures/modules, in-person lectures and small group discussions, and focuses on Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) and Rigor & Reproducibility (R&R) topics for advanced graduate students. This will provide 4 RCR credit hours.
Fifth year and beyond
- Students in years 5 and beyond will participate in two RCR elective forums. These are held throughout the year on a variety of topics to allow students to chose forums that relate to their personal interests and experience. These forums include PhD students from the humanities and social science and often provide a broader view of RCR than offered in previous training years. Each elective forum will provide 2 RCR credit hours.
The Responsible Scientist Teaching Assistant - BIOTRAIN 755:
- School of Medicine PhD students in years 4+ may earn BIOTRAIN 755 credit (replacing one of two required RCR Forums) by serving as a teaching assistant in BIOTRAIN 751: The Responsible Scientist I. School of Medicine PhD students in years 3+ may earn up to two semesters of BIOTRAIN 755 credit (replacing up to two of two required RCR Forums) by serving as an OBGE Graduate Student Peer Mentor over the course of one academic year, including participation in BIOTRAIN 701: Foundations in Professionalism.
Resources
- Animal Care and Use Program
- Duke Office of Licensing and Ventures
- Duke Office of Scientific Integrity
- Duke Policy and Procedures Governing Misconduct in Research
- Duke Graduate School: Report Research Misconduct
- Duke Graduate School Responsible Conduct In Research (RCR) Training and Regulations
- Human Resource Department
- Institutional Review Board: Human Subjects Research
- Introduction to the Responsible Conduct of Research, by Nicholas H. Steneck, PhD
- Office for Institutional Equity
- Trent Center for Bioethics, Humanities, & History of Medicine
- US Office of Research Integrity (ORI)
Questions?
Feel free to email us if you would like more information about RCR in OBGE.