The MaineHealth Office of Research Ethics & Compliance

In addition, the Office of Research Ethics and Compliance is also involved in other key areas of research administration at MaineHealth:

• •     Good Laboratory Practices
  •     CITI Training Requirements and Instruction

  • Responsible Conduct of Research

    The Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) Program at Maine Medical Center is part of the educational and outreach activities of the Office for Research Compliance. Our goal is to develop and make available to the Maine Medical Center research community programs and materials that will increase the knowledge of and facilitate the practice of responsible research. 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. It is the policy of Maine Medical Center that all students, postdocs, laboratory personnel, and scientists who participate in any Research Programs and/or are receiving research funds or who participates in research activities funded by National Institutes of Health (NIH) or National Science Foundation (NSF), shall engage in a program of study in the Responsible Conduct of Research. A RCR Project Plan must be submitted at the same time a NSF & NIH (if applicable) proposal is being submitted.  The Plan must indicate the principle investigator’s decision for the required in-person’s RCR training.  The CITI (online) modules are required for all covered students. This policy applies to all undergraduate students, graduate students, and post‐doctoral trainees performing research, whether as an employee or other trainee, on proposals submitted to NSF and to all students funded by or performing research funded by NIH.