NSF and NIFA

To earn UC Davis RCR certification, NSF and NIFA funded participants must:

  • Complete the CITI RCR training modules.

How to complete the CITI RCR training modules:

  1. Register with CITI
  2. Already have a CITI account? Click HERE to add the RCR directly to your CITI dashboard list of courses.

 How to receive your RCR certificate:

  1. Complete the training requirements for your funding source.
  2. Send a request for your certificate to the Research Compliance Office, Compliance Coordinator, at RECO.
    • Upon verification, your certificate will be emailed to you.
    • Certificates are processed at the end of the month in which your request is received.
    • RCR Training Certification is valid for three years.

Questions should be addressed to the Research Compliance Office, Compliance Coordinator, at RECO.

NOTE: These RCR courses do not satisfy the basic courses for human subjects or lab animal welfare.

NSF Policy and Compliance

Compliance Oversight – The Research Compliance Office (RECO) has been appointed oversight for RCR at UC Davis. RECO is responsible for verifying that undergraduate students, graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, faculty, and other senior/key personnel supported by NSF to conduct research, have received training in the responsible and ethical conduct of research.

  • NSF supported researchers must take the CITI RCR Course.
  • UC Davis undergraduate students, graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, including short-term visitors, paid by NSF under a research or educational award are required to complete the RCR training.

Failure to complete the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) training can have grave consequences, including:

  • Sanctions: NSF may sanction institutions that do not comply with RCR training requirements.
  • Future funding: Institutions that do not comply with RCR training may have their eligibility for future funding impacted.
  • Awards: NSF may withhold awards until institutions complete the required training.
  • Removal from awards: Students who do not complete RCR training on time may be removed from awards.
  • Suspension of research: Students who do not complete RCR training on time may have their research activities suspended.
  • Loss of compensation: Students who do not complete RCR training on time may lose compensation.

Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) (NSF 24-1)