Responsible and ethical conduct of research (RECR) involves the awareness and application of established professional norms and ethical principles in the performance of all research-related activities. At UWM, the administration, faculty, staff, and students share the responsibility of preserving the integrity of research conducted within the institution. In all research endeavors, we are guided by ethical behavior rooted in integrity, accountability, and responsibility.
UWM Research Integrity Training
UWM’s Research Integrity Training Policy (SAAP 14-7) requires all UWM faculty and PI-approved academic staff to complete a set of research integrity training modules.
The policy serves to foster high ethical standards through developed trainings and sets expectations for covering federal and institutional integrity, accountability, and responsibility standards for research.
The Research Integrity Training program is comprised of the Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) training through the CITI program, and three internally developed Research Integrity Training modules (Modules 01, 02, 03) through Canvas.
| Training Module | Required or Optional | Description | Training System |
| Performing Research or Creative Work at UWM | Required | Addresses the training expectations of faculty and addresses the critical component of compliance. | Canvas |
| Responsible Conduct of Research | Required | Provides essential guidance for faculty by promoting ethical research practices and fostering a culture of integrity. Addresses the awareness and application of established professional norms and ethical principles in the performance of all activities related to research. | CITI |
| Pre-Award Roles & Responsibilities | Required | Addresses the essentials and best practices to develop, route, edit, and submit an application for sponsored funding. | Canvas |
| Post-Award Roles & Responsibilities | Required | Addresses the planning, initiation, and best practices for managing a sponsored project. | Canvas |
UWM’s Research Integrity Training is required for all UWM faculty and PI-approved academic staff. The training is also highly recommended, though not required, for all staff involved in UWM research activities.
Register for: Canvas Research Integrity Training
Register for: CITI Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR)
Federal Responsible Conduct of Research Training
Receiving instruction in the Responsible Conduct of Research has become a requirement for certain U.S. federal funding agencies, and it is increasingly becoming a standard part of researchers’ training. Information on current federal RCR training requirements is found here.
UWM uses the online CITI training program to satisfy federal Responsible Conduct of Research training requirements. For more information, see the instructions for accessing the CITI RCR training.
Research Misconduct
UWM fosters a research environment that discourages misconduct in all research and deals forthrightly with allegations of research misconduct. The responsibility for preserving the integrity of research conducted at UWM is shared by administration, faculty, staff, and students.
The UWM Policy on Research Misconduct defines research misconduct as fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism in proposing, performing, or reviewing research, or in reporting research results. The policy describes the steps in the determination of whether allegations of misconduct require further inquiry and investigation and includes the process for inquiry and investigation. The Research Misconduct Policy applies to anyone who, at the time of the alleged misconduct, was employed by, was an agent of, or was affiliated by contract or agreement with UWM. This includes faculty, staff, employees in training, students, contractors, volunteers, and guests.
Fiscal Integrity
Fiscal integrity is a shared responsibility across UWM. Units, including the Division of Finance and Administrative Affairs; the Office of Research; Schools, and Colleges, Divisions; and Principal Investigators (PIs) work together to ensure that UWM meets its federal and state financial stewardship obligations.
Financial Award Management is a shared responsibility between the Office of Sponsored Programs, the PI, and the PI’s School/College/Division or unit. It ensures that, as a grant recipient, UWM is a responsible steward of the sponsor’s resources.
Sponsored Project Compensation Certification recognizes the importance of providing good stewardship in managing extramural funds. The university’s stewardship responsibilities include complying with federal requirements to certify faculty and staff compensation on federally sponsored projects.
Purchasing and Procurement practices must be in accordance with federal and state laws, UW System, and UWM policies, procedures, guidelines, and best practices.
Fiscal Misconduct is defined as “a deliberate act or failure to act that is contrary to established laws, regulations or policies and which results or was intended to result in either loss or other damage to the State or the UW System or improper personal gain.”
Intellectual Property Management
The UWM Research Foundation (UWMRF) is UWM’s designated intellectual property (IP) management organization that employs a structured process for managing intellectual property related to discoveries, copyrightable works, and inventions, made or developed at UWM by UWM faculty, staff, students, and employees. UWMRF is also the entry point for exploring corporate partnerships or technology transfer.
Invention Disclosure: UWM researchers have an obligation to disclose inventions created while carrying out their university duties, using any university funding, or using university premises, supplies, or equipment.
The UWM Office of Sponsored Programs provides administrative support for contracts and technology transfer activities, including contract review, award negotiation and acceptance, and account setup.
Research Data Management
Data Management Plans: Many federal sponsors require Principal Investigators to include with their proposal a plan that describes how the data generated from the funded project will be accessed, stored, managed, and shared.
UWM Research Data Management Policy: In compliance with applicable agreements, policies, regulations, and relevant federal and state laws, UWM research data shall be appropriately maintained in sufficient detail for an adequate period of time to meet the stewardship, retention, accessibility, and security expectations of external agencies and to facilitate the review and verification of research results