Responsible conduct of research

This course is an essential resource for the research community in Canada and internationally. Designed to promote Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR), also known as scientific integrity, it represents an initiative to strengthen ethical and professional standards within the scientific community. This educational program is broken down into 8 modules, each offering content essential to a thorough understanding of the fundamental values and ethical principles underpinning the responsible conduct of research. At the end of this training, participants will be equipped not only with an enhanced knowledge of the norms and values of the responsible conduct of research, but also with practical tools for anticipating, identifying and resolving the ethical dilemmas inherent in scientific research.

CREDITS

Funding

This course has been funded by The Secretariat on Responsible Conduct of Research (SRCR), with the support of Université de Montréal and HEC Montréal.

École de santé publique Université de Montréal

Design and development

This course is the result of a project led by the Université de Montréal School of Public Health (represented by Bryn Williams-Jones and Sihem Neila Abtroum, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, with support from Emmanuelle Marceau and Vardit Ravitsky) and HEC Montréal (represented by Joé Martineau, Department of Management and Audrey-Anne Cyr, Department of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, with support from Jacques Robert, Director of Innovation and Pedagogical Development and the Learning and Pedagogical Innovation Department) in collaboration with Université de Laval (represented by Lyne Letourneau, Department of Animal Sciences).

École de santé publique Université de Montréal

What's inside

Learning objectives

Objectives of this mooc:
Make researchers aware of the values and principles of the responsible conduct of research.

Familiarize researchers with potential challenges and complex situations that put the responsible conduct of research to the test.
Equip researchers with the skills and tools to anticipate and manage the ethical challenges associated with scientific research.

Objectives of this mooc:
Make researchers aware of the values and principles of the responsible conduct of research.
Familiarize researchers with potential challenges and complex situations that put the responsible conduct of research to the test.
Equip researchers with the skills and tools to anticipate and manage the ethical challenges associated with scientific research.

Syllabus

Module 0 - Welcome to the course!

Module 1 - INTRODUCTION TO THE RESPONSIBLE CONDUCT OF RESEARCH

Module 2 - REGULATING THE RESPONSIBLE CONDUCT OF RESEARCH

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Provides an introduction to the fundamentals of the responsible conduct of research

Taught by instructors with expertise in the responsible conduct of research

Develops skills and tools for anticipating and managing ethical challenges in scientific research

Relevant for researchers at all levels, providing a strong foundation in the responsible conduct of research

Covers the ethical dimensions of research data and its governance, which is crucial for modern research practices

Reviews summary

Essential research ethics foundation

According to students, this course is an essential resource for the research community, providing a comprehensive foundation in responsible conduct of research. Learners praise its ability to equip them with practical tools for anticipating and resolving ethical dilemmas in scientific inquiry. The course is seen as highly relevant for professionals, covering fundamental values and principles of scientific integrity. While the content is academically sound but potentially theoretical, and engagement may depend on individual learning styles, overall, it's considered a valuable program for strengthening ethical standards.

Pace and engagement may vary by learner.

"The modular structure is good, but the self-paced nature means you need to be disciplined to stay engaged."

"I found the presentation style quite formal, which suited me, but others might prefer more interactive elements."

"Some parts felt a bit slow, while others were packed with information, requiring careful attention."

Developed by reputable universities.

"Knowing this was funded by the SRCR and developed by top Canadian universities gave me confidence in the content."

"The expertise behind this course from Université de Montréal and HEC Montréal is evident throughout."

"It's clearly a well-resourced and academically sound program for research ethics."

Essential for professionals in research.

"As a researcher, I found this an essential resource for strengthening my ethical and professional standards."

"This course is perfectly tailored for those in the scientific community, whether new or experienced."

"It really helped me become more aware of the core values and principles crucial for responsible research."

Equips learners with tools for dilemmas.

"The course truly equips you with practical tools to identify and resolve ethical dilemmas in scientific research."

"I learned to anticipate potential challenges, which is incredibly valuable in my daily research work."

"It's not just theory; they provide actionable strategies for navigating complex ethical situations."

Offers a thorough understanding of research ethics.

"This course provided a really comprehensive overview of responsible conduct in research, covering all the critical areas."

"I appreciated the depth of the modules, especially how they broke down complex ethical principles into understandable parts."

"It's an excellent resource for anyone needing to grasp the fundamental values and norms of research integrity."

Content can be quite theoretical.

"While comprehensive, I felt some sections were very theoretical and could have benefited from more real-world case studies."

"For those who prefer a more hands-on approach, the course leans heavily on foundational concepts rather than practical application."

"Sometimes, the emphasis on standards felt a bit dry, needing more engaging examples to keep interest high."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Responsible conduct of research: from standards to practice with these activities:

Review the course syllabus and familiarize yourself with the learning objectives

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Gain a clear understanding of the course structure and expectations to better plan your learning journey.

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Read the course syllabus carefully.
Identify the key learning objectives and assessment criteria.
Consider how the course aligns with your research interests and career goals.

Refresh Ethical Principles in Scientific Research

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Ensure foundational knowledge in ethical principles before the course begins.

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Review essential concepts of research integrity, such as honesty, transparency, and objectivity.
Explore case studies to understand how ethical dilemmas arise in scientific research.

Review the basic principles of research ethics

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Strengthen your foundational understanding of research ethics to better grasp the complexities of the course material.

Browse courses on Research Ethics

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Revisit readings and materials from previous courses or workshops on research ethics.
Review online resources and articles on the topic.
Attend a refresher workshop or seminar on research ethics.

Three other activities

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Explore Best Practices for Responsible Data Management

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Develop proficiency in handling and managing research data ethically and effectively.

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Follow online tutorials or attend workshops on data management principles.
Apply best practices to organize, store, and secure research data.

Practice Identifying Ethical Dilemmas in Research

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Enhance critical thinking and decision-making skills in addressing ethical concerns.

Browse courses on Ethical Dilemmas

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Analyze case studies to identify potential ethical issues.
Discuss different perspectives and approaches to resolving ethical dilemmas.

Discuss Ethical Challenges in Research with Peers

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Foster collaboration, diverse perspectives, and critical analysis of ethical considerations.

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Join a study group or online forum to connect with peers.
Share experiences and insights on ethical issues.

Career center

Learners who complete Responsible conduct of research: from standards to practice will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers: