1. Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research (RECR) is critical for excellence, as well as public trust, in science and engineering. RECR involves not only a responsibility to generate and disseminate knowledge with rigor and integrity, but also a responsibility to: conduct peer review with the highest ethical standards; diligently protect proprietary information and intellectual property from inappropriate disclosure; and, treat students and colleagues fairly and with respect.
- IC Action: Upon receipt of the PI’s Intent to Submit form, the Director of Sponsored Research will send to the PI the document titled, “Required Action by PIs, Co-PIs, and Students Submitting NSF Grants, Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research.” The PI and any Co-PIs, staff, and/or students who will be working on the proposed NSF project must complete the CITI training “Responsible Conduct of Research” module.
2. William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act is a new certification requiring senior personnel listed in the proposed grant to certify that the information provided in their Biographical Sketches and Current and Pending Support documents are accurate, current, and complete.
- IC Action: Senior personnel must certify the above upon proposal submission to NSF and are required to update their Current and Pending Support disclosures prior to the award, and at any subsequent time the agency determines appropriate during the term of the award. False representations may be subject to prosecution and liability pursuant to, but not limited to, 18 U.S.C. §§287, 1001, 1031 and 31 U.S.C. §§3729-3733 and 3802.
3. Safe and Inclusive Working Environments for Off-Campus or Off-Site Research, describes the new requirement to certify that the PI has a plan in place for safe and inclusive research for any proposal that proposes to conduct off-campus or off-site research. This section also provides considerations for plan development, communication, and dissemination.
- IC Action: Upon receipt of the PI’s Intent to Submit form where the PI has identified that the proposal will involve off-campus or off-site research, the Director of Sponsored Research will send to the PI the document titled “Ithaca College PI’s Plan to Address Off-Campus or Offsite NSF Research Activities.” The PI must develop a plan (which does NOT need to be included in the proposal to NSF) regarding the safe and inclusive working environment at the off-campus or offsite location.