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Researcher Training: What Do I Need to Do?

Consistent with its reputation for conducting world-changing research, Purdue has an obligation to train and educate researchers to conduct their research with integrity and to ensure safe and secure conditions for all engaged in the research process. Researcher training takes place both online and in-person.

The decision tree tool below was developed to assist Purdue researchers identify various required trainings as they engage in their specific areas of research.

Note: For all online training courses, Purdue uses the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) Program as it covers basic principles and most federal research regulations. You may login to the CITI Program (at: www.citiprogram.org) using your Purdue affiliation (i.e., select “Log in through my institution”).

Click on the banners that apply to your research portfolio to identify required/appropriate training.

Are you a researcher at Purdue?

All researchers at Purdue are required to complete training in the Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR).

Do you conduct research with Human Subjects?

Researchers (Investigators and key personnel) engaged in research with human subjects must complete training in the appropriate category (Biomedical or Social Behavioral) prior to approval by the Institutional Review Board (IRB).

Do you conduct or coordinate Human Clinical Trials?

Investigators and Clinical Trial staff “who are responsible for study coordination, data collection and data management,” in a human clinical trial are required to complete training in Good Clinical Practice (GCP).

Do you conduct research with Vertebrate Animals?

All researchers identified on an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) protocol are required to complete the online basic course and the appropriate species modules. Specific, in person training in research techniques, animal handling, and safety is also required and tracked.

Are you working with recombinant or synthetic nucleic acids, other hazards or pathogens?

Principal Investigators and all Lab Personnel conducting research with recombinant or synthetic nucleic acids must complete training on Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules. As applicable, additional modules on biosafety and in-person training on hazards or pathogens must also be completed.

Are you conducting research subject to Export/ITAR Controls and restrictions on publications?

Researchers who conduct Export/ITAR controlled research and/or accept restrictions on publication are required to complete education on export control regulations and federal cybersecurity requirements.

Do you conduct research projects sponsored by agencies that require training on Financial Conflicts of Interest (FCOIs)?

Researchers participating in projects sponsored by the U.S. Public Health Service (PHS) or PHS-like agencies (i.e., agencies that have adopted PHS-like FCOI Regulations) and the U. S. Department of Energy and its agencies must have up-to-date FCOI Training. FCOI Training is also required for researchers who engage in entrepreneurship and consulting activities related to their research programs at Purdue.

Do you use lasers in your research?

Do you engage in international research collaboration?

Purdue has added several optional CITI training modules, under the umbrella of Responsible Conduct of Research, that may be useful as you prepare for international collaborations (e.g., “Cybersecurity and Compliance Considerations for Safeguarding Research”, “Introduction to Undue Foreign Influence Impacts and Concerns in Academia”). Tip: Review Question 2 in the course list in CITI to identify optional modules that are relevant to the scope of your international collaboration.

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