From Proposal to Publication: Ethics and Accountability in the Research Enterprise
April 20 - 22, 2026, noon–3 p.m. (CT)
Big Ten Academic Alliance – Responsible Conduct of Research (BTAA-RCR) Collaborative
This annual conference is proudly sponsored by the University of Minnesota and the Big Ten Academic Alliance.
Successful navigation of ethical challenges requires repeated and continuous engagement with Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) principles. These RCR research practices must be embedded in every stage of the research lifecycle, from initial conception and proposal development through to final publication.
This free, three-day virtual conference will provide in-depth insights on how RCR intersects across all phases of the research lifecycle.
Key Topics
Together, we will address the following key topics:
- The importance of Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) Education, with perspectives from Federal Sponsors and Researchers
- Best practices for Research Integrity, including Responsible Authorship and Data Management
- Understanding Misconduct, from Detrimental Research Practices (DRPs) to Research Misconduct
- The future of RCR, looking at Emerging Issues.
Register
This conference is open to all individuals engaged in research at the Big Ten Institutions. Content is targeted toward research faculty, staff, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, educators, and administrators.
We ask that all attendees review the BTAA Guidance for Conference Behavior and Creating Inclusive Spaces prior to the event. Please note, opinions shared by speakers and participants are those of the individuals and do not officially represent the views of the University of Minnesota or the Big Ten Academic Alliance.
Register for the BTAA RCR Virtual Conference >
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to know to attend this conference?
This is an interactive conference hosted online and requires internet access. The conference will be on Zoom. The agenda is designed to have single speakers, panel discussions, and interactive breakout sessions.
What if I can only attend part of the conference?
We encourage you to attend the entire conference; however, we realize that work/life can get in the way of a virtual conference. If you are hopping in/out, we encourage you to keep zoom open so you have access to the chat. Plenary talks will be recorded to be viewed at a later date, but not the breakout sessions.
Will this conference be recorded?
Yes, plenary talks and panel discussions will be recorded, however, breakout discussions will not be recorded. By registering and participating in this conference, attendees will consent to being recorded.
Further Questions?
Please contact the University of Minnesota Research Integrity and Compliance office, [email protected].
Committee Members
Thank you to this year’s Conference Planning Committee for their dedication and time in planning this conference.
Danielle Rintala
University of Minnesota
Celeste Sheftel
University of Minnesota
Evan Carter
University of Minnesota
Heather McFadden
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Cecon Mahapatra
Purdue University
Lauran Qualkenbush
Northwestern University
Kory Trott
University of Chicago
Kevin Zihlman
University of Iowa