Responsible Conduct of Research for Postdocs

Why Training in the Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR)

Responsible conduct in research (RCR) broadly describes the awareness and application of established professional standards and ethical principles in the execution of research-related activities. Since the 1980s, the term RCR has also become associated with educational programs designed to teach graduate students and postdoctoral scholars about ethical practices associated with scientific investigation and developing scholarship with integrity.Over 500 members of our research community have participated as discussion facilitators since 2006.

To find up-to-date, general information about RCR requirements , please visit our Research Support website.

 

RCR Academic Course and BU Postdocs

BU offers Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) training to postdoctoral scholars and graduate students through an academic course offered every fall and spring semester – ENG EK800. Since we have postdocs who must complete formal, advanced RCR training as part of being part of NIH and NSF funded projects, postdocs may register for this course while not being BU students. Also, we typically offer these course sessions on the Charles River Campus in the fall semester and the Medical Campus in the Spring semester.

For the Spring 2026 semester, we are making a substantive change to the structure of the course.  Currently, we offer our RCR course as a 10 week course for one hour per week.  Beginning Spring 2026 onward, we will shift to a more condensed course, but offer two different sections each fall and spring term.  Note that you must choose one or the other, and cannot mix-and-match sessions from one section with the other. Also, a key part of this requirement in 8 hours in person for RCR training, therefore attendance is extremely important. You would need to be available for all class meetings in whichever session you attend, if you are required to complete the RCR course.

 

Upcoming Course Offerings

In Spring 2026 the two possible sections of our RCR course (ENG EK800) are:

  • Section 10629 – meets three consecutive Friday mornings (Jan 23, Jan 30, and Feb 6) from 9:00am – 12:20pm at the BU Medical Campus (Room to be determined – TBD)
  • Section 18848 – meets three consecutive Thursday afternoons (Mar 19, Mar 26, and Apr 2) from 1:00pm – 4:20pm at the BU Medical Campus (Room to be determined – TBD)

 

Registering for ENG EK800 as a BU Postdoc

Since postdocs are not BU students, those postdocs who are required to take the advanced RCR training (beyond CITI training) via our in-person course would need to contact Lauren Easterling (Graduate & Postdoctoral Success | Postdoctoral Affairs).  Dr. Easterling will then connect you with the appropriate Registrar.