Being Compliant

Research Compliance

UC Berkeley researchers are expected to adhere to the highest professional standards in the conduct of research. As set out by the Faculty Handbook, faculty members are charged by the Institution with the responsibility to safeguard the basic principles of research integrity, academic freedom, and public interest. When government funds are involved in the support of research, UC Berkeley's accountability to the government and the public requires that the investigators take particular care to obey all rules and regulations of the government and the sponsoring agencies.

Students, postdoctoral appointees, and visiting scholars are expected to follow these same principles and rules. The following policies, procedures and resources are particularly relevant to these groups because they relate to issues that will come up regularly during their appointment, training and beyond.

Responsible Conduct of Research Practices

The conduct of research at UC Berkeley is governed by the rules and policies promulgated by several jurisdictions - the Federal and State governments, the UC Office of the President, the Academic Senates of both the University of California system and the Berkeley campus, as well as the administration of UC Berkeley. The following links provide information on a variety of relevant rules, regulations, and policies. 

• UC Foundational Skills - Required Training
• Assigning Authorship
• Animal Care and Use
• Use of Biological Agents
• Conflict of Commitment
• Conflict of Interest and Financial Disclosure
• Export Controls
• Guide to Consulting for Faculty and Academic Employees (pdf)
• Laboratory Safety
• Guide to Safety and Compliance Training for Researchers
• Principal Investigator Status
• Protection of Human Subjects
• Research Misconduct
• Stem Cell Research
• Use of Controlled Substances

Responsible Conduct of Research Training

Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) is defined as "the practice of scientific investigation with integrity." It involves the awareness and application of established professional norms and ethical principles in the performance of all activities related to scientific research. As part of their education or participation in research activities, students, postdocs and visiting scholars may be required to take specialized training in research ethics and responsibility. Two sponsoring agencies (NSF and NIH) require such training. The specific requirements are described in Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) Training requirements. The Office of Research Administration and Compliance (RAC) offers online and in-person Responsible Conduct of Research Trainings and Courses.