USDA-NIFA RECR Requirements

Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research Institutional Plan – USDA NIFA

Applicability

USDA NIFA RECR requirements apply to program directors, faculty, undergraduate students, graduate students, postdoctoral researchers and any staff participating in a USDA NIFA funded research project.

Requirements

Individuals who are subject to the requirements for RECR training are expected to complete core training appropriate to their educational level, as noted below. The Program Director for each USDA NIFA award may identify additional optional training requirements based on the type(s) of research to be conducted.

RECR Core Training and Education Components by Trainee Education Level

Responsibilities

At the time of award, Program Directors must: 1) provide a list of individuals who will participate in the USDA NIFA research project and will require RECR instruction, 2) update the list if new individuals join the project, 3) indicate the date that USDA NIFA support will begin for each individual, and 4) identify any additional RECR training to be provided beyond the core components, and the timetable for delivery.

Individuals who will be participating in the USDA NIFA research project must: 1) complete mandatory RECR training and education within the applicable timeframe, and 2) complete optional or refresher RECR training as assigned.

The Office of Research Integrity will verify that individuals have completed required RECR training and maintain records of completion for each federally funded project that requires RECR training.

Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI Program)

CITI Program

Please note that you will need to register as a new user and associate yourself with UTC in order to access the courses.  Click "add courses" once you have registered and complete the questionnaire to generate applicable courses.

For step-by-step instructions on how to register with CITI and add the RECR courses to your curriculum, please view the CITI Tutorial – RECR.

Forms and Links

• RCR – USDA Instructions for Trainees
• Optional RECR Course Listing
• USDA RECR Enrollment Worksheet 
• University of Tennessee Policy on Misconduct in Research and Service