The National Science Foundation published a notice pertaining to training in responsible conduct of research. The notice is available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-19930.htm.

The notice states, “Effective January 4, 2010, NSF will require that, at the time of proposal submission to NSF, a proposing institution’s Authorized Organizational Representative certify that the institution has a plan to provide appropriate training and oversight in the responsible and ethical conduct of research to undergraduates, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers who will be supported by NSF to conduct research….training plans are not required to be included in proposals submitted to NSF, institutions are advised that they are subject to review upon request.”

It is expected that “NSF also will modify its standard award conditions to clearly stipulate that institutions are responsible for verifying that undergraduate students, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers supported by NSF to conduct research have received RCR training.”

ORI would like to hear your thoughts about the procedures described in NSF’s notice.