“Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR)” is a phrase that encompasses a broad range of commonly accepted ethical professional research practices. One view of the meaning of RCR is that it is about an individual making choices in a research program that are ethical and legal, but also that are in-line with the individual’s own conscience, the value system upon which the research is based, and generally acceptable research practices of the scientific discipline within which the individual belongs. Responsible choices for research conduct probably should be well-considered, effective, efficient, timely, protective of resources, considerate of others, and at times innovative. In this sense, does responsible conduct of research include both the concepts of pride-of-ownership and stewardship? Many might agree that responsible conduct of research means making decisions about research practices that will:

(a) Protect animal subjects, human participants, research personnel, and the environment

(b) Be honest and transparent, not deceptive (e.g., falsifying, fabricating, or plagiarizing data or deceitful attribution of authorship)

(c) Be fair by not introducing unwanted bias into research results, conclusions, or inferences (e.g., conflicts of interest and commitment, sloppiness)

(d) Be benevolent, not be malicious (e.g., thievery of ideas, unfair criticism during peer review for personal gain; exploitive of others)

(e) Be open to creativity and innovation

(f) Protect the public trust

What are your thoughts about the meaning of responsible conduct of research?