Announcing the launch of the Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) Microcredential Series.
These new in-person discussion-based workshops are required for any individual receiving funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), including undergraduate students, graduate students, staff, postdocs, and faculty (see NIH guidance here). In order to meet NIH’s requirements for in-person RCR training, these workshops have been established as a series of microcredentials (also called “badges”) that lead to an overarching RCR “mega” credential. It should be noted that UMBC requires all graduate students completing a master’s thesis or doctoral degree, along with all postdoctoral research associates, to complete RCR training through either CITI or the new in-person RCR Microcredential Series.
Open to all faculty, staff, undergraduate, and graduate students. While required of any individual receiving funding from NIH, anyone (faculty, staff, undergraduate or graduate student, postdoctoral research associate) can attend the in-person workshops and earn the microcredentials/badges.
How do I earn the microcredential? Each workshop session below is associated with a topic-specific RCR microcredential, so participants earn a “badge” for each session attended. After attending all required sessions, an overarching RCR credential will be awarded. Attendance and active participation are required to receive a microcredential for each workshop (participants must scan the QR code provided at the end of the workshop using their phone). This process ensures full participation. After completing a workshop, participants will receive their microcredential/badge specific to that session. Once all workshops in the series have been completed, participants will be awarded certification of completion of RCR training, a “mega” credential signifying that they have fully met the NIH’s RCR training requirements.
How do I sign up? You must sign up for each individual session by clicking the links under each session below and then choose “Going in Person.”
Read the full announcement here.
The full detailed schedule of sessions is listed below, including case studies to be discussed.
Facilitator: This RCR series is being facilitated by Daniel G. Jenkins, an applied ethics expert who is an instructor in our philosophy program. Each workshop session will be co-taught by an additional faculty member or staff with subject matter expertise. Jenkins has taught a range of applied ethics courses, including PHIL/PBHL 358: Bioethics, PHIL 251: Ethical Issues in Science and Engineering, and, since 2020, PHIL 359: Ethics and Integrity in Scientific Research for undergraduate students in STEM BUILD. From a previous career in science, which began while an undergraduate at UMBC, he gained experience in bench science and animal husbandry. He has co-authorships in the Journal of Radiation Research, Atherosclerosis, and the Journal of Experimental Medicine. He received BA’s in Philosophy and Psychology, a certificate in Biopsychology, and an MA in Applied and Professional Ethics from UMBC. He has taught in the Department of Philosophy since 2015.
Fall 2024 Microcredential Session Schedule
Workshop 1: Conflict of interest (September 18, 11 am-12:30 pm, Commons 318)
Overview: This workshop covers the topic of managing conflicts of interest—personal, professional, and financial—to ensure that researchers understand how to identify, disclose, and address any situations that might affect the integrity and credibility of their work. This training helps maintain transparency and trust in the research process.
Facilitator: Dan Jenkins
Speaker: Mike Miller
Case Studies for Discussion: Theme 6 Ethical Ambiguities (2006) and Theme 21 Science Under Pressure (2021)
Additional Recommended Reading: Ch. 9 of Responsible Conduct of Research, 3rd edition, by Adil E. Shamoo and David B. Resnick. ISBN: 978-0195368246. Available online through the UMBC AOK Library website at: https://proxy-bc.researchport.umd.edu/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=e025xna&AN=883271&site=ehost-live&scope=site&ebv=EB&ppid=pp_i
Workshop 2: Human Subjects Research (September 25, 11 am – 12:30 pm, Commons 318
Overview: This workshop covers the topic of ethical considerations and federal guidelines relevant to the use of human subjects in research. It ensures that researchers are knowledgeable about the protection of participants and adherence to ethical guidelines.
Facilitator: Dan Jenkins
Speaker: Tory Williams & Emily Redding
Case Study for Discussion: Theme 22 Use of Human Biospecimens and Informed Consent (2022)
Additional Recommended Reading: Ch. 11 of Responsible Conduct of Research, 3rd edition, by Adil E. Shamoo and David B. Resnick. ISBN: 978-0195368246. Available online through the UMBC AOK Library website at: https://proxy-bc.researchport.umd.edu/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=e025xna&AN=883271&site=ehost-live&scope=site&ebv=EB&ppid=pp_i
Workshop 3: Animal care and use in research (October 2, 11 am-12:30 pm, Commons 318)
Overview: This workshop covers the topic of ethical considerations and federal regulations relevant to the use of live vertebrate animal subjects in research. It ensures that researchers are knowledgeable about the ethical treatment and proper handling of animals.
Facilitator: Dan Jenkins
Speaker: Chuck Bieberich
Case Study for Discussion: https://ori.hhs.gov/content/Chapter-4-The-Welfare-of-Laboratory-Animals-case-study-fish-frogs-and-mice
Additional Recommended Reading: Ch. 10 of Responsible Conduct of Research, 3rd edition, by Adil E. Shamoo and David B. Resnick. ISBN: 978-0195368246. Available online through the UMBC AOK Library website at: https://proxy-bc.researchport.umd.edu/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=e025xna&AN=883271&site=ehost-live&scope=site&ebv=EB&ppid=pp_i
Workshop 4: Safe laboratory practices (October 9, 11 am-12:30 pm, Commons 329)
Overview: This workshop covers the topic of safe laboratory practices. It ensures that researchers are knowledgeable about maintaining a safe working environment, including proper handling of materials and equipment.
Facilitator: Dan Jenkins
Speakers: Joshua Curry & Will Jardel
Case Studies for Discussion: U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board – Texas Tech University Laboratory Explosion Final Report (2011) and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory – Accidents at Research Labs
Workshop 5: Mentor/Mentee responsibilities and relationships (October 16, 11 am-12:30 pm, Commons 318)
Overview: This workshop covers the topic of mentor/mentee responsibilities and relationships. It ensures that both mentors and mentees understand their roles, expectations, and how to foster a productive and respectful working relationship.
Facilitator: Dan Jenkins
Case Studies for Discussion: Theme 12 Mentoring (2012) and Theme 23 Authorship, Collaborations, and Mentoring (2023)
Additional Recommended Reading: Ch. 4 of Responsible Conduct of Research, 3rd edition, by Adil E. Shamoo and David B. Resnick. ISBN: 978-0195368246. Available online through the UMBC AOK Library website at: https://proxy-bc.researchport.umd.edu/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=e025xna&AN=883271&site=ehost-live&scope=site&ebv=EB&ppid=pp_i
Workshop 6: Collaborative research (October 23, 11 am-12:30 pm, Commons 318)
Overview: This workshop covers the topic of collaborative research, including partnerships with industry. It ensures that researchers understand the principles of effective collaboration, including managing intellectual property, navigating contractual agreements, and maintaining academic integrity.
Facilitator: Dan Jenkins
Speaker: Wendy Martin
Case Study for Discussion: Theme 4 Collaborative Science (2004)
Additional Recommended Reading: Ch. 5 of Responsible Conduct of Research, 3rd edition, by Adil E. Shamoo and David B. Resnick. ISBN: 978-0195368246. Available online through the UMBC AOK Library website at: https://proxy-bc.researchport.umd.edu/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=e025xna&AN=883271&site=ehost-live&scope=site&ebv=EB&ppid=pp_i
Workshop 7: Peer review, authorship, & publication (October 30, 11 am-12:30 pm, Commons 318)
Overview: This workshop covers the topic of peer review and responsible authorship and publication. It ensures that researchers are knowledgeable about the peer review process, ethical standards for authorship, and accurate and honest reporting of research findings. The training also includes guidance on avoiding plagiarism and addressing authorship disputes.
Facilitator: Dan Jenkins
Speaker: Jennifer Harrison
Case Studies for Discussion: Theme 2 Authorship (2002), Theme 11 Authorship (2011), and Theme 8 Borrowing – Is it Plagiarism? (2008)
Additional Recommended Reading: Chapters. 6 & 7 of Responsible Conduct of Research, 3rd edition, by Adil E. Shamoo and David B. Resnick. ISBN: 978-0195368246. Available online through the UMBC AOK Library website at: https://proxy-bc.researchport.umd.edu/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=e025xna&AN=883271&site=ehost-live&scope=site&ebv=EB&ppid=pp_i
Workshop 8: Ethical data acquisition, handling, and use (November 6, 12:30-2 pm, Commons 331)
Overview: This workshop covers the topic of data acquisition and laboratory tools, as well as the management, sharing, and ownership of data. It ensures that researchers understand proper methods for collecting and handling data, maintaining data integrity, and complying with policies on data sharing and ownership. The training also addresses best practices for documenting and storing research data securely.
Facilitator: Dan Jenkins
Speaker: Tory Williams & Emily Redding
Case Studies for Discussion: Theme 7 Data Management and Scientific Misconduct (2007) and Theme 13 Data Management, Whistleblowers, and Nepotism (2013)
Additional Recommended Reading: Chapter 3 of Responsible Conduct of Research, 3rd edition, by Adil E. Shamoo and David B. Resnick. ISBN: 978-0195368246. Available online through the UMBC AOK Library website at: https://proxy-bc.researchport.umd.edu/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=e025xna&AN=883271&site=ehost-live&scope=site&ebv=EB&ppid=pp_i
Workshop 9: Research misconduct (November 13, 11 am-12:30 pm, Commons 329)
Overview: This workshop covers the topic of research misconduct and policies for handling such misconduct. It ensures that researchers are aware of what constitutes misconduct, including fabrication, falsification, and plagiarism, and understand the procedures for reporting and addressing these issues.
Facilitator: Dan Jenkins
Speaker: Tory Williams & Emily Redding
Case Studies for Discussion: Theme 14 Differentiating Between Honest Discourse and Research Misconduct and Introduction to Enhancing Reproducability (2014) and Theme 1 Scientific Misconduct (2001)
Additional Recommended Reading: Ch. 2 of Responsible Conduct of Research, 3rd edition, by Adil E. Shamoo and David B. Resnick. ISBN: 978-0195368246. Available online through the UMBC AOK Library website at: https://proxy-bc.researchport.umd.edu/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=e025xna&AN=883271&site=ehost-live&scope=site&ebv=EB&ppid=pp_i
Workshop 10: Socially responsible science (November 20, 11 am-12:30 pm, Commons 318)
Overview: This workshop covers the topic of the scientist as a responsible member of society, contemporary ethical issues in biomedical research, and the environmental and societal impacts of scientific research. It ensures that researchers understand their broader responsibilities, including ethical considerations and the potential implications of their work on society and the environment.
Facilitator: Dan Jenkins
Case Studies for Discussion: Theme 17 Socially Responsible Science (2017) or Theme 9 Science and Social Responsibility – Dual Use Research (2009)
Additional Reading: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4278471/ & Ch. 12 of Responsible Conduct of Research, 3rd edition, by Adil E. Shamoo and David B. Resnick. ISBN: 978-0195368246. Available online through the UMBC AOK Library website at: https://proxy-bc.researchport.umd.edu/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=e025xna&AN=883271&site=ehost-live&scope=site&ebv=EB&ppid=pp_i
Workshop 11: Safe research environments (December 4, 11 am-12:30 pm, Commons 318)
Overview: This workshop covers the topic of cultivating safe, inclusive research environments that actively prevent and address sexual, racial, ethnic, disability, and other forms of discriminatory harassment. Participants will discuss best practices for promoting diversity and inclusion, discuss strategies to ensure equitable participation, and share experiences of creating respectful, supportive research spaces.
Facilitator: Dan Jenkins
Case Studies for Discussion: Theme 19 Civility, Harassment, and Innappropriate Conduct (2019) and Theme 18 Implicit and Explicit Biases in the Research Setting (2018)
Additional Reading: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-022-28665-2