National Science Foundations (NSF)

Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research (RECR)

The NSF requires training in RECR for the below populations when they are supported by NSF funds (support in the form of salary and/or stipends) to conduct research:

• Faculty and Senior Personnel**
• Postdoctoral Researchers
• Graduate Students
• Undergraduate Students

It is the PIs responsibility to ensure the specific individuals that receive funding on an NSF award listed above successfully complete the required RECR training assigned to them.

Per the NSF NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG), RECR is critical for excellence, as well as public trust, in science and engineering. RECR involves not only a responsibility to generate and disseminate knowledge with rigor and integrity, but also a responsibility to:

a. conduct peer review with the highest ethical standards;
b. diligently protect proprietary information and intellectual property from inappropriate disclosure; and
c. treat students and colleagues fairly and with respect. Consequently, education in RECR is considered essential in the preparation of future scientists and engineers

** The NSF has instituted a new requirement that all faculty and senior personnel on proposals submitted on or after July 31, 2023 must complete RECR training. When a proposal is awarded, the Principal Investigator (PI) is notified that they and all Senior Personnel are required to complete the RECR training assigned to them in Workday Learning within five months of the date of notification. The RECR training requirement remains in effect for all post-doctoral researchers, graduate, and undergraduate students supported by NSF funding (support from salary and/or stipends to conduct research on an NSF award).

Yale is fulfilling this training requirement as outlined in the: NSF RECR Training Plan for Undergraduate Students, Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Researchers, Faculty and Senior Personnel.

See the NSF RCR Notice for more information.

See Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for additional clarifications.

Training Requirements

RECR training depends on your title/grade.
All questions regarding Workday Learning or training requirement eligibility can be sent to learning@yale.edu.