Colorado State University Unveils New Research Ethics and Conduct Online Module

Colorado State University today is unveiling an online training program focused on responsible and ethical conduct in research. The training, which will be required for students at all levels – undergraduate, graduate and post-doctoral students – engaging in research, further elevates the university’s commitment to ethics and integrity in research. The training also is open to the entire university.

The university’s new online training, designed in conjunction with Huron Consulting Group, is part of CSU’s comprehensive training program to meet and exceed new requirements set by the National Institutes of Health and National Science Foundation.

“Clear codes of conduct and training in research are needed to meet today’s compliance and accountability standards and to keep the university in good standing with funding agencies,” said Kathy Partin, director of the Research Integrity and Compliance Review Office. “This course will provide individuals with the tools to develop stewardship, promote integrity across the entire university and reduce research misconduct.”

The module is available at http://rcr.colostate.edu/training.html. Individuals who are required to take the training must pass a final mastery test for certification of good standing. The training helps to ensure that researchers share collective values such as honesty and objectivity, that they conduct research appropriately and that they teach values and ethics to students engaged in research who are under their supervision.

“Colorado State University is paving the road for other universities when it comes to ethical and responsible conduct in research,” said Gregory T Bedell, managing director in Huron Consulting Group’s Higher Education practice. “This proactive training is vital to maintaining the high standards that CSU is known for.”

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