ONLINE FIRST
published on August 8, 2025
Sapna Das-Bradoo

, Nathan Green, Janaki Iyer, Jessica Martin

, Mark Paulissen, Cammi Valdez

https://doi.org/10.5840/tej202585166
Report on a Responsible Conduct of Research Conference for Public Undergraduate Institutions
Undergraduate research experiences have been identified as a high-impact practice that contributes to student intellectual, professional, and personal growth. With the expansion of research opportunities, Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) training is increasingly necessary at institutions. Formal RCR training has become widespread at universities though efficacy studies and attempts to promote these events are lacking, particularly at primarily undergraduate institutions (PUIs). Here we report on the organization and implementation of a conference to promote and develop RCR training among regional PUIs in Oklahoma. A full day of speakers and breakout sessions allowed participants to think critically to develop and refine RCR programs at their home institutions. Participant pre- and post-survey data indicate that attendees were less familiar with potential RCR training programs at their home institutions but were enthusiastic to learn more about and develop such programs following the conference. Post-conference survey data revealed that 11 of 15 participants intended to develop or improve RCR training at their home PUI. Statistical analysis of pre- and post-survey data showed that conference participants were significantly more knowledgeable about and familiar with RCR curricula after the conference than before (median scores increasing from 2.5 to 5). These findings suggest that conferences are helpful in not only informing institutions about the benefits of RCR programs but also in promoting the future development of such training programs.