USDA-NIFA Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR)

Page Updated: May 10th, 2019

In April 2013, USDA NIFA released their revised research terms and conditions/agency terms and conditions. These terms and conditions introduce a new requirement for responsible conduct of research (RCR) on USDA NIFA awards.

The UW has implemented a program to address the USDA NIFA RCR requirements. This program will require participants to complete RCR training that is compliant and specific to USDA NIFA. For a quick overview, please click here.

How do I Complete the Training?

Principal investigators, co-investigators and participants from USDA NIFA awards must take the "Responsible Conduct of Research" course in Canvas. This includes, but is not limited to, undergraduates, graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and sub-recipients.

The VCR will establish participants subject to the training requirements. Once you have been notified by the VCR you need to comply with the requirement, you can follow the steps below to complete the Training. Once notified of the requirement, an individual will have 30 days to complete the training module in Canvas. The training will be valid for three years.

• Obtain a UW NetID. In order to access the UW-Madison online training, and to complete step 2 below, you first need a UW NetID. To secure NetIDs, please contact Heather McFadden at heather.mcfadden@wisc.edu.
• Complete UW-Madison RCR Training. The UW-Madison RCR training requires all participants complete RCR training. This training is available at Canvas, a UW-Madison training program.
1. Login to Canvas.
2. In the upper right corner, click on "Join This Course."
3. Select "Go To Course" to complete the course now. If you do not wish to complete the course at this time, you will need to locate the course on your dashboard.
4. Read through all course materials.
5. Once you have answered the questions, please submit the quiz.

Look-up Tools

The VCR has created look-up tools to assist PIs and RCR Coordinators with tracking of completion requirements. Please login with your UW NetID and password.

• Principal Investigators
• Administrators and RCR Coordinators

Questions?

For specific questions or a more detailed explanation of the policy and required training please see our FAQs. If you still have questions, please feel free to contact Heather McFadden at heather.mcfadden@wisc.edu.