Responsible Conduct of Research

Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) promotes ethical, transparent, and accountable research practices across Augusta University’s research enterprise.

RCR helps investigators, trainees, research staff, and students understand their professional responsibilities when planning, conducting, reporting, and reviewing research. The Office of Research Integrity and Security supports RCR education and awareness to help foster a research environment grounded in integrity, compliance, and responsible stewardship of research activities.

What Is Responsible Conduct of Research?

Responsible Conduct of Research refers to the ethical and professional standards that guide how research is designed, performed, documented, reported, and shared. These standards help protect the integrity of the research record, promote public trust in research, and support responsible decision-making throughout the research lifecycle.

RCR applies to all members of the research community, including faculty, staff, students, trainees, postdoctoral fellows, and others involved in research activities.

Contact Us

Responsible Conduct of Research

researchcompliance@augusta.edu

706-446-1459

1120 15th Street

CJ-1000N

Office Contacts

RCR Topics

Responsible Conduct of Research education may address topics such as:

Research integrity and ethical decision-making

Data acquisition, management, sharing, and ownership

Authorship, publication practices, and peer review

Mentor and trainee responsibilities

Collaborative research

Conflicts of interest and conflicts of commitment

Human subjects research protections

Animal care and use in research

Research misconduct, including fabrication, falsification, and plagiarism

Safe and responsible research practices

Research security, disclosure, and transparency obligations

Why RCR Matters

RCR education helps researchers understand the expectations and responsibilities associated with ethical research conduct. It also supports compliance with sponsor requirements, institutional policies, and federal expectations related to research training and responsible research practices.

By promoting awareness of ethical standards and research responsibilities, RCR helps prevent compliance concerns, strengthen research quality, and preserve trust in the research enterprise.

RCR Training and Education

Some researchers, students, and trainees may be required to complete RCR training based on their role, funding source, program requirements, or involvement in certain research activities. Requirements may vary depending on the sponsor, department, training program, or type of research being conducted.

Investigators and research teams are encouraged to review applicable sponsor requirements, program expectations, and institutional guidance to determine whether RCR training is required.

How ORIS Supports RCR

The Office of Research Integrity and Security supports Responsible Conduct of Research by:

  • Providing guidance on RCR expectations and training requirements
  • Supporting education and awareness related to ethical research practices
  • Helping researchers understand responsibilities related to research integrity, transparency, and compliance
  • Connecting researchers and trainees with applicable RCR resources
  • Promoting a culture of accountability and responsible research conduct