Training in Responsible Conduct of Research

The National Institutes of Health has requirements for training in the responsible conduct of research (RCR) for trainees supported by our training grants. All scientists and students supported by our training grants are required to take specific RCR online training modules before travel arrangements can be made. Unfortunately, as of March 5, 2012, these modules are accessed through two different websites. However, the login information (username and password) are the same for both systems. The specific modules that must be taken (and the websites where they are found) are:

Biomedical Researchers (CITI)
Responsible Conduct of Research (CITI)
Conflict of Interest (HSConnect)

Other types of short-term trainees may be required to take other modules, depending on the specifics of the training. These modules include:

Bloodborne Pathogen Training (HSConnect)
Chemical Hygiene Training (HSConnect)
Human Subjects Research in Social and Behavioral Sciences (CITI)
Research with Children (HSConnect)
Use of Laboratory Animals in Research and Education (HSConnect)
Small Animals Research and Training (HSConnect)

To complete these modules, first go to the University of Pittsburgh’s HSConnect website. The web address to create an account is https://www.hsconnect.pitt.edu/HSC/home/create-account.do. When asked about affiliations you should select “other” in both instances. Once the account is created you should click on the “Home” tab in the upper left and follow the link to “Internet-based Studies in Education and research (https://cme.hs.pitt.edu)”. On that page, the modules you need are under the “Responsible Conduct of Research” folder, where you will find the above modules that are accessed through HSConnect. Taking the course and obtaining certificates should be straightforward from there.

To take the modules that were developed by CITI (Collaborative Institutional Training Institute), go to www.irb.pitt.edu. Then click on “Click here to access the Pitt CITI portal and more information”. You can also directly access the site by going to http://www.citi.pitt.edu/citi/. Click “Login” in the upper left corner. Use the same login information that you used to register on the HSConnect website, then specify “No” to the question “Do you already have a CITI account?” and click on the “Create CITI Account” button. Then click on “Click here” after “Your enrollment with this institution is incomplete”. And answer the questions. For question 1, the answer for most trainees is “Biomedical Researchers”. For question 2 (Good Clinical Practice Course for FDA-regulated research), the answer for most trainees is “No, not at this time”. For Question 3 (for IRB Committee members), the answer is “No, not at this time”. Once you’ve answer all of the questions, click “continue”.

Then, under My Courses, you will see the two modules you need to take (Biomedical Researchers and Biomedical Responsible Conduct of Research). You take these modules by clicking on “Enter”.

Please email your completed module certificates to Kathleen Stewart (pitlugak@edc.pitt.edu) and feel free to contact her if you have any questions. Technical questions about registering and navigating the website should be sent to irb@pitt.edu.

There are additional RCR training requirements for Pitt GIDRTP trainees who will be obtaining their masters or PhD from the University of Pittsburgh. Information about these requirements will be provided to candidates who are accepted for enrollment at the University of Pittsburgh.