Research

Research Compliance Training

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At the Keck School of Medicine of USC, upholding the highest standards of integrity is a top priority for the entire research community. The Office of Research Administration oversees Research Compliance Training to promote responsible conduct of research (RCR). RCR training fosters a culture of good citizenship in research among students, faculty, and staff, aligning with USC’s Code of Ethics.

By reporting their work honestly, accurately, and objectively, individuals contribute to maintaining public trust in research. Additionally, they play a crucial role in conveying the ethical principles of research to future generations of scholars.

Researcher filling vials from a pipette.

  • The Keck School of Medicine of USC will offer INTD 500: Ethics and Accountability in Biomedical Research. This course satisfies the NIH Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) training requirements. The course is open to all graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, junior faculty, and staff who are conducting research. All PIBBS doctoral students are required to pass INTD 500 prior to advancing to candidacy. Master’s students, postdoctoral fellows, and others auditing will receive a certificate of completion of the course.

  • The USC Office of Culture, Ethics and Compliance is an essential resource for the research community. Its main purpose is to help researchers at USC understand and follow the different rules and regulations that apply to sponsored research. These rules come from the university, as well as state and federal governments.

    The office’s priority is to guide and support the USC research community in being responsible and accountable in managing research funds provided by federal agencies and private organizations. By providing guidance and ensuring compliance, the office helps researchers fulfill their obligations as stewards of these research funds.

    Key areas of expertise include:

    1. Conflicts of Interest in Research: Provides guidance and support regarding conflicts of interest that may arise during research activities.
    2. Sponsor-Specific Compliance: Our team assists researchers in understanding and meeting the compliance requirements imposed by sponsoring entities.
    3. Scientific Integrity: We address concerns related to scientific misconduct, data management, and authorship, ensuring the highest standards of scientific integrity.
    4. Research Ethics Training: We offer comprehensive training programs to fulfill research ethics training requirements, equipping researchers with the necessary knowledge and skills.

    The office’s dedicated team is committed to promoting ethical research practices and helping the USC research community navigate the complex landscape of compliance in research.

  • Investigators are expected to conduct research with the highest ethical standards. Allegations of plagiarism, fabrication, and falsification are taken seriously. USC expects all personnel to adhere to the highest ethical standards both in the conduct of research and in the management of related data.