Purpose

Wichita State University takes seriously its obligation to implement and support best practices in research and is committed to the highest standards of excellence and integrity in all research and scholarly endeavors. All members of the University community, including students, faculty, and staff, share responsibility for developing and maintaining standards to assure ethical conduct of research and detection of abuse of these standards. Federal law mandates that recipients of federal funding be properly trained in the responsible conduct of research.

Applicability

This policy applies to all University researchers, to include faculty, staff, and students, who receive and/or participate in research activities that are partially or fully funded by external sources (“Researchers”). Such research may include, but is not limited to, research activities performed under grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements. Individuals who participate in a research study or activity as a research or test subject shall not be deemed a “Researcher” for purposes of this policy.

Policy

The University has partnered with the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) program to allow Researchers the opportunity to participate in online ethics education. All Researchers participating in externally funded research activities are required to complete, at a minimum, the Responsible Conduct of Research course for externally funded Researchers in CITI prior to beginning work on any externally funded project.

Additionally, Researchers should be aware that their department, college, or external sponsor(s) may have additional requirements to which Researchers must adhere, including, but not limited to additional mandatory training. It is the responsibility of the Researcher(s) to be familiar and comply with any additional University or agency specific RCR requirements. More information on RCR requirements may be found on the University's RCR page.

Failure to Comply

Failure to fulfill RCR training requirements in accordance with this policy may subject Researchers to sanctions (such as prohibition from participation in research or scholarly activities), forfeiture of research funds, and/or University disciplinary actions.

The Research Compliance Office is responsible for compliance oversight of this policy.