Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) Microcredential Series

We are pleased to announce the launch of the Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) Microcredential Series - a set of in-person workshops this fall. While we will still offer virtual RCR training in CITI, these new in-person discussion-based workshops are required for any individual receiving funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), including undergraduate students, graduate students, staff, postdocs, and faculty (see NIH guidance here). In order to meet NIH’s requirements for in-person RCR training, we have established these workshops as a series of microcredentials (also called “badges”) that lead to an overarching RCR “mega”credential.  It should be noted that UMBC requires all graduate students completing a master's thesis or doctoral degree, along with all postdoctoral research associates, to complete RCR training through either CITI or the new in-person RCR Microcredential Series. 

The NIH strongly emphasizes the requirement of substantial face-to-face discussions among all participants to ensure adequate preparation for ethical research. These workshops will include a blend of direct instruction, small-group discussions, and case studies, with active participation from faculty and staff instructors. While online courses can supplement your learning, they are not considered adequate as the sole method of instruction for responsible conduct of research.

All required NIH RCR topics are covered in a series of workshops that will be offered this fall. Each session is associated with an RCR Microcredential (“badge”) in a particular topic (e.g., animal care and use). Attendance and active participation are required to receive a microcredential for each workshop (participants must scan the QR code provided at the end of the workshop using their phone). This process ensures full participation. After completing a workshop, participants will receive their microcredential/badge specific to that session. Once all workshops in the series have been completed, participants will be awarded certification of completion of RCR training, a “mega”credential signifying that they have fully met the NIH's RCR training requirements.

No! Anyone (faculty, staff, undergraduate or graduate student, postdoctoral research associate) can attend the in-person workshops and earn the microcredentials/badges. 

This RCR series is being facilitated by Professor Daniel G. Jenkins, an applied ethics expert who is an instructor in our philosophy program. Each workshop session will be co-taught by an additional faculty member or staff with subject matter expertise. Jenkins has taught a range of applied ethics courses, including PHIL/PBHL 358: Bioethics, PHIL 251: Ethical Issues in Science and Engineering, and, since 2020, PHIL 359: Ethics and Integrity in Scientific Research for undergraduate students in STEM BUILD. From a previous career in science, which began while an undergraduate at UMBC, he gained experience in bench science and animal husbandry. He has co-authorships in the Journal of Radiation Research, Atherosclerosis, and the Journal of Experimental Medicine. He received BA’s in Philosophy and Psychology, a certificate in Biopsychology, and an MA in Applied and Professional Ethics from UMBC. He has taught in the Department of Philosophy since 2015.

All graduate students completing a master's thesis or doctoral degree, along with all postdoctoral research associates, are required to complete RCR training. Those that are not NIH funded can complete this requirement through virtual CITI training or the new in-person RCR Microcredential Workshops. However, the RCR Microcredential Series of in-person workshops is a requirement for anyone receiving funding from the NIH. Please check with the supervisor of your research or the coordinator of your program if you are unsure where your funding originates. 

Please note that each session may be held in different rooms or at different times within The Commons each Wednesday. Please check in with the MyUMBC GSPD group page links for locations and any potential changes to the schedule. MyUMBC GSPD Group Page: https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/gspd 

If you have any questions, please contact: RCR@umbc.edu 

We look forward to your active participation and insightful contributions as we work together to uphold the highest standards of research integrity. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.