Office of Sponsored Research
NSF Training Requirements
Summary of the NSF Requirement
For all new proposals submitted after January 4, 2010, the National Science Foundation (NSF) will require UT Tyler to certify that it has a plan to provide training and oversight in the responsible and ethical conduct of research (RCR) to undergraduates, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers who will be supported by NSF to conduct research. In addition, the institution is responsible for verifying that the RCR training requirement is met by individuals supported by NSF grants. While training plans are not required to be included in proposals submitted to NSF, institutions are advised that they are subject to review upon request.
For additional information about Responsible Conduct of Research, please visit:
NSF Federal Register Notice on RCR Implementation (Full Text):
http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-19930.htm
U.S. DHHS Office of Research Integrity (ORI):
http://ori.dhhs.gov/
Applicability of the NSF Requirement
RCR Training is required for the following individuals supported by NSF:
- undergraduate students,
- graduate students, and
- postdoctoral researchers.
The term "support" includes direct benefits such as salary/payment, in addition to indirect benefits such as the use of equipment or laboratory supplies paid for by the NSF grant.
The training requirement must be fulfilled within the first year after an award has been made, or before the student completes or departs the project. For continuing projects, training will be required every four years after the initial completion.