Responsible Conduct of Research

As per the Tri-Agency Framework: Responsible Conduct of Research (2021), Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) is the responsibility of researchers, institutions, and the Tri-Agencies. "For researchers, this implies duties of honest and thoughtful inquiry, rigorous analysis, commitment to the dissemination of research results, and adherence to the use of professional standards (2021)." For institutions and the Tri-Agencies, "it calls for a commitment to foster and maintain an environment that supports and promotes the responsible conduct of research (2021)."

As a recipient of Tri-Agency funding, UNBC is required to adhere to this framework and develop and apply its own RCR policies to all research conducted under its jurisdiction. UNBC is also required to provide training opportunities to ensure comprehensive and consistent understanding of research responsibilities as well as compliance with the highest standards associated with all aspects of research.

UNBC Researchers and Scholars - What do you need to do?

UNBC expects the highest standards of integrity from its researchers, trainees, students and staff. As such, adherence to this framework, Tri-Agency policies, as well as UNBC policies and procedures is required.

In order to be in compliance with UNBC's RCR strategy, it is strongly recommended that all UNBC researchers complete the CITI RCR online training program (described below). After completing the RCR online training course, researchers will be provided with a certificate of completion. Researchers can, if they wish, upload this certificate to Romeo through the 'Responsible Conduct of Research Certification' form. It is recommended that researchers encourage their trainees, students and research staff to complete this training.

Online RCR Training

Through the Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research (SPOR) initiative, UNBC is a member of Network of Networks (N2) and as such, all UNBC researchers, trainees, students, and staff have free access to the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) Program, which offers high quality, web-based, Canadian instruction on a variety of research topics, including RCR.

To access the courses:

Step 1: Go to www.citiprogram.org and click on "Register" on the top right of the webpage
Step 2: Select your organization affiliation (UNBC)
Step 3: Fill in your personal information
Step 4: Create a username and password
Step 5: Choose your country of residence and contact preferences
Step 6: Choose the type of role that best defines you (i.e. researcher, research staff, student, etc.)
Step 7: Select the courses you would like to register in (please note: you can add and remove courses at a later date if desired)