Sponsored Research Ethics and Compliance
At the University of Southern California, ethical behavior is predicated on two main pillars: A commitment to discharging our obligations to others in a fair and honest manner, and a commitment to respecting the rights and dignity of all persons. Ethical responsibilities of members of the university community are detailed in the USC Code of Ethics.
Further information to assist researchers in addressing compliance issues can be obtained from the USC Office of Culture, Ethics and Compliance and its staffed telephone system, Compliance Hotline.
Research Ethics Training and Certification Requirements for Funded Investigators
- Grants Management Training:
All investigators funded by an externally sponsored project must complete grants management training, as explained here. - Conflict of Interest Training:
All investigators funded by the Department of Health and Human Services must complete conflict of interest training. - Disclose:
All investigators funded by the Department of Health and Human Services must make an annual conflict of interest disclosure in the Disclose. - IP-ACT:
All parties paid by federal awards must complete a statement assigning their intellectual property to the University in order to comply with The Bayh-Dole Act. - Responsible Conduct of Research Training:
- Projects Funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). All undergraduate students, graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, faculty, and other senior personnel supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF) are required to complete an approved course in Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR).
- All trainees, fellows, participants, and scholars receiving support through any National Institutes of Health (NIH) training (T), individual or institutional career development award (K), or research education grants (R25, R36, R90) are also required to complete in-person RCR instruction.