Training & Education
To ensure the ethical and safe conduct of research and to meet regulatory requirements, the University of Minnesota requires faculty, staff, and students who serve on research projects to complete Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) training. The RCR courses do not fulfill IRB (human subjects) or IACUC (animal subjects) training requirements. For more information about training requirements, visit IRB Required Training or IACUC Required Training.
Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) Core Curriculum
New faculty members, postdoctoral fellows, and others serving as principal investigators (PIs) are required to complete online RCR Core Curriculum.
Agency Specific RCR Training
Required training must be completed by those working on projects supported by NIH career and training awards and all NSF and USDA-NIFA projects. The required training depends on role or classification.
Other Research Training
Depending on your research activities, Partnering Units may require additional education for researchers, students, and staff regarding health, safety, human research, animal care, and financial matters.
Summary of Training by Classification
| For PIs on All Awards* |
NIH Career & Training Awards |
NSF Awards | USDA-NIFA Awards | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | Required** | Required | Required | Required |
| Master's | Required** | Required | Required | Required |
| Doctoral | Required** | Required | Required | Required |
| Postdoctoral | Required** | Required | Required | Required |
| Faculty | Required** | Required | Not Required | Required |
| Staff | Required** | Not Required | Not Required | Required |
*Per UMN Education Requirements for PI Eligibility
**Required for all individuals serving as Principal Investigator (PI) on an award, regardless of the source of funds.