Responsible Conduct of Research

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has requirements for training in the responsible conduct of research (RCR) for trainees supported by our training grants. All scientists and students supported by our training grants are required to take specific RCR online training modules before travel arrangements can be made, or any funds are dispersed on an individual’s behalf.

Your first step as trainees in this program will be completing these required RCR Training Modules. (Please note: This is the online portion of your RCR training. You will also be receiving this training in person and/or via video conferencing throughout the course of your sponsorship.) 

The University of Pittsburgh offers these RCR training modules from the Collaborative Institutional Training Institute (CITI.) In order to access these modules, you will need to create two accounts: first, an HSConnect account, followed by a CITI account.

Accessing Initial RCR Training

You can download two PDFs to assist you with this process: a step-by-step instructions guide here, as well as a more general information sheet here.

The link to create your HSConnect account, which you must do first, is here.

Once this account is created, go to the CITI website, and click “Login.” Of the two options provided, you should select “Other Users: Sign In with HSConnect,” and then enter your HSConnect login information. More details about account setup can be found in the instructions guide linked above.

Once you have created your CITI account, you will be given the option to “Add Courses.” The one we require is the “Responsible Conduct of Research (Basic Course.)” However, you are welcome to take additional free courses if you wish.

You must complete the entire RCR course and score at least 80% on every quiz. This will take some time and can be done in multiple sessions.

Once you have finished the course, please email both your completion certificate and your completion report to the Program Administrator (currently Havannah Tung, havannahtung@pitt.edu). You will be able to download your certificate and report from the CITI website when you finish.

Please note: we cannot provide SAPPHGenE funds to you or on your behalf before these modules are completed.

If you have questions or run into problems with your CITI account, please email orp@pitt.edu. You can also contact the Program Administrator directly.

Additional Formal RCR Instruction During Training

In conversation with their mentors and training program directors, we encourage trainees to complete the 8-week online short course offered by Wits in partnership with SAMIRA and Digital Campus, “Research Ethics and Integrity.”

It is offered periodically throughout the year. More information can be found here.