Stanford University expects that every academic program and each research advisor/mentor will do their part to assure that students/trainees receive appropriate guidance in such areas as: research integrity, data acquisition and management, authorship, research collaborations, conflicts of interest, and others as appropriate.

Two of the largest Federal sponsors of research have established regulatory requirements in this regard:

• The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has long required RCR education for anyone funded on their training grants.
• The National Science Foundation (NSF) has established an RCR training requirement for students at any level funded by that agency.

Completion of the following (1) course satisfies the NIH requirement for training in the responsible conduct of research:

• MED 255: Responsible Conduct of Research - This one-quarter Stanford course is offered through the Stanford Center for Biomedical Ethics.

Completion of one of the courses listed below satisfies the NSF requirement for training in the responsible conduct of research.

MED 255: Responsible Conduct of Research This one-quarter Stanford course is offered through the Stanford Center for Biomedical Ethics.

"BIO 312: Ethical Issues in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

CITI Modules on Responsible Conduct of Research These web-based modules have been developed by the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI).

Go To: Responsible Conduct Training Requirements and RCR Training FAQ's

As members of the Stanford University community, faculty, staff, students, members of the Board of Trustees, University Officers and affiliates are responsible for sustaining the highest ethical standards of this institution, and of the broader community in which we function. The University values integrity, honesty and fairness and strives to integrate these values into its teaching, research and business practices.

If you have concerns of any kind stemming from possible noncompliance with government or external agency regulations, University policies, errors or irregularities in Stanford's financial accounting practices or policies report them. Raising such concerns is a service to the University and will not jeopardize your employment.

Make your concern known by reporting or seeking guidance. Contact managers beginning with your immediate supervisor, instructor or advisor. If for any reason it is not appropriate to report suspected violations to the immediate supervisor (e.g., the suspected violation is by the supervisor) you can go to a higher level of management within your school or department. If you are not comfortable with that you can report your concern internally to the Institutional Compliance Helpline or (650) 721-COMP or 721-2667] or to the Office of the General Counsel at (650) 723-9611.

The Compliance Helpline is confidential, anonymous (if desired), and resolution will be made by knowledgeable individuals. The program is managed by the Director of Internal Audit and Institutional Compliance, and deals with all aspects of the University's regulatory compliance. It includes but is not limited to environmental health and safety, sexual harassment, financial transactions, and NCAA rules.

Such reports may be made confidentially, and even anonymously, although the more information given, the easier it is to investigate the reports. Raising such concerns is a service to the University and does not in itself jeopardize employment.

Do you have a concern about non-compliance?

If any of these statements applies to you, the answer is yes:

• "A situation in the office makes me uneasy."

• "This transaction appears to be out of compliance with federal regulations."

• "This transaction appears to be out of compliance with tax regulations."

• "I've tried to tell the appropriate people, but nothing seems to be corrected."

• "I'm afraid to speak up."

• "I don't know who to ask!"

If you are contacted by an external auditor, ask and obtain answers to the following questions: 

1. What audit organization do you represent?
2. What type of audit is this?
3. Has this audit been properly coordinated through the Stanford's Internal Audit Services? 

If your department has identified an individual as an audit contact point, that person should be advised. It is also appropriate to contact your supervisor or manager.

Refer auditors who are unable to provide a clear description of their affiliation and the purpose of their audit to an audit liaison representative in Stanford's Internal Audit Department.

In addition, all auditors working at Stanford should also be able to assure you of prior review and coordination with Stanford's Internal Audit Department. No further departmental involvement is needed until that coordination takes place.