Announcing the launch of the Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) Microcredential Series
These new in-person discussion-based workshops are required for any individual receiving funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), including undergraduate students, graduate students, staff, postdocs, and faculty. In order to meet NIH’s requirements for in-person RCR training, these workshops have been established as a series of microcredentials (also called “badges”) that lead to an overarching RCR “mega” credential. It should be noted that UMBC requires all graduate students completing a master’s thesis or doctoral degree, along with all postdoctoral research associates, to complete RCR training through either CITI or the new in-person RCR Microcredential Series.
Open to all faculty, staff, undergraduate, and graduate students. While required of any individual receiving funding from NIH, anyone (faculty, staff, undergraduate or graduate student, postdoctoral research associate) can attend the in-person workshops and earn the microcredentials/badges.
How do I earn the microcredential? Each workshop session is associated with a topic-specific RCR microcredential, so participants earn a “badge” for each session attended. After attending all required sessions, an overarching RCR credential will be awarded. Attendance and active participation are required to receive a microcredential for each workshop (participants must scan the QR code provided at the end of the workshop using their phone). This process ensures full participation. After completing a workshop, participants will receive their microcredential/badge specific to that session. Once all workshops in the series have been completed, participants will be awarded certification of completion of RCR training, a “mega” credential signifying that they have fully met the NIH’s RCR training requirements.
Schedule: See the detailed schedule of sessions here: https://ethics.umbc.edu/responsible-conduct-of-research/
How do I sign up? You must sign up for each individual session by clicking the links under each session here, and then choosing “Going in Person.”
Facilitator: This RCR series is being facilitated by Daniel G. Jenkins, an applied ethics expert who is an instructor in the Philosophy Department. Each workshop session will be co-taught by an additional faculty member or staff with subject matter expertise. Jenkins has taught a range of applied ethics courses, including PHIL/PBHL 358: Bioethics, PHIL 251: Ethical Issues in Science and Engineering, and, since 2020, PHIL 359: Ethics and Integrity in Scientific Research for undergraduate students in STEM BUILD. From a previous career in science, which began while an undergraduate at UMBC, he gained experience in bench science and animal husbandry. He has co-authorships in the Journal of Radiation Research, Atherosclerosis, and the Journal of Experimental Medicine. He received BA’s in Philosophy and Psychology, a certificate in Biopsychology, and an MA in Applied and Professional Ethics from UMBC. He has taught in the Department of Philosophy since 2015.