Responsible Conduct of Research
Tennessee Tech is committed to advancing knowledge through ethical and responsible research. We recognize that the trust placed in our science by the public, our peers, and our partners depends on the integrity of the people who carry it out. Whether our science informs policy, drives innovation, or shapes future inquiry, it must be trusted. That trust is built on the foundation of ethical conduct and a shared commitment to do what is right.
As such, Tennessee Tech holds itself to the highest standards of research ethics and compliance. We promote a culture where transparency, accountability, and respect for the research process are fundamental values. Every member of our research community, be they faculty, staff, or students, is expected to uphold these standards in all scholarly and scientific endeavors.
We are committed to:
- Ensuring Compliance: We align with all federal, state, and institutional regulations governing research, including those related to research security, human subjects, animal welfare, export controls, and conflicts of interest.
- Fostering Education: We provide comprehensive training and resources on the responsible conduct of research (RCR) to empower our researchers to make informed, ethical decisions.
- Promoting a Culture of Integrity: We encourage open dialogue, ethical mentorship, and accountability across all disciplines to ensure research is conducted honestly and rigorously.
- Addressing Misconduct Swiftly and Fairly: Any concerns about research misconduct – fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism – are taken seriously and addressed through established procedures that protect the integrity of our research and the rights of all involved.
RCR Training
Tennessee Tech subscribes to the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) as a means of providing training in RCR. This training is applicable to the University's core mission of teaching and learning, and it is consistent with the University's commitment to the life-long learning of its students by providing a resource that fosters high standards of ethical conduct.
Per institutional policy, all faculty, staff, post-doctoral students, graduate students, and undergraduate students who are personnel or are involved in sponsored research, as well as any research or scholarly activities involving human subjects or animal care, must take and pass the Tennessee Tech CITI course in Responsible Conduct of Research.
The course taken depends on the participant's role in research. The following are the available modules related to RCR:
- Biomedical Responsible Conduct of Research
- Humanities Responsible Conduct of Research
- Physical Science Responsible Conduct of Research
- Responsible Conduct of Research for Administrators
- Responsible Conduct of Research for Engineers
- Social and Behavioral Responsible Conduct of Research
To access the RCR course, go to www.CITIprogram.org and register for an account by affiliating with Tennessee Tech.
Upon completion of the course, a Certificate of Completion will be generated.
Any questions about RCR should be directed to the Office of Research at ResearchCompliance@tntech.edu.
Resources
› Tennessee Tech Policy No. 750 Responsible Conduct of Research
› Tennessee Tech Policy No. 780 Misconduct in Research
› On Being a Scientist: A Guide to Responsible Conduct in Research (free download)