Background

The National Science Foundation, by mandate of the United States Congress in the CHIPS + Science Act, Section 10337 and  America Competes Act Section 7009, requires all faculty, senior personnel, postdoctoral researchers, graduate students and undergraduate students, supported by NSF research funding to receive training in Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research (RECR). 

At the time a proposal is submitted to the National Science Foundation, University of Wisconsin–Madison, certifies there is a RECR training plan in place.

Purpose

NSF requires the Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) is “ to complete a certification that the institution has a plan to provide appropriate training and oversight in the responsible and ethical conduct of research to undergraduate students, graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, faculty, and other senior/key personnel who will be supported by NSF to conduct research and that such training addresses mentor training and mentorship.” Further, “An institution must designate one or more persons to oversee compliance with the RECR training requirement” (NSF: B2C).

Scope

The scope of this plan includes individuals supported on NSF sponsored research.  This includes but is not limited to: principal investigators, co-investigators, faculty, key persons, postdoctoral researchers, graduate students, and undergraduate students. This training is also recommended for those not currently required to complete this course.

University of Wisconsin–Madison NSF RCR Training Policy

All principal investigators, co-investigators, faculty, key persons, postdoctoral researchers, graduate students, and undergraduate students supported by NSF funding must take the “Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research” course in Canvas. Modules in the course include subject matter appropriate to career stage. Individuals will be asked to re-certify training as NSF  requirements change. 

Communication of Requirements and Tracking of Completion:

The Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research (OVCR) will identify, notify and track individuals who must complete training. Once an individual is notified of the requirement, they will have 30 days to complete the training module in Canvas. Subsequent email notices will be sent as reminders to complete training. Individuals who do not complete the training within 30 days will be considered non-compliant and further administrative steps will be taken. Appropriate unit administrators will be notified of non-compliance. 

Accessing Training:

1. Login to Canvas at https://canvas.wisc.edu/enroll/4JLCC9.
2. In the upper right corner, click "Enroll in Course."
3. Select "Go to Course" to complete the course now. If you do not wish to complete the course at this time, you will need to locate the course on your dashboard.
4. Read through all course materials.
5. Once you have answered the question, submit the quiz.

Institutional RCR Coordinator:

Heather  Mc Fadden (heather.mcfadden@wisc.edu or 608-890-2468)

If you are working with a student who does not have a NetID, please contact Heather for assistance.