“Mandatory does not mean that RCR is merely a compliance requirement.”
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) is strengthening its commitment to research excellence and integrity by launching mandatory Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) training for its research community. This initiative was announced by Senior Vice President of Research, Professor Pierre Magistretti, and developed by the Research Compliance Office.
Research is at the core of KAUST’s mission to advance knowledge, address complex challenges, and generate meaningful societal impact. However, research excellence depends not only on discoveries and outcomes, but also on the integrity, transparency, accountability, and respect with which research is conducted.
The RCR training aims to foster a research culture in which ethical conduct is understood, expected, and supported throughout the research process. It addresses key areas, including research design, data management, collaboration, authorship, publication, and the responsible use of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence.
The training will provide practical guidance on ethical and professional challenges encountered in everyday research, equipping participants to make informed decisions when the appropriate course of action is not always clear.
Mandatory participation reflects KAUST’s recognition that responsible research is a shared institutional responsibility, not merely a compliance requirement. Researchers, faculty, students, and research professionals are encouraged to engage meaningfully with the two-part training consisting of an ~1-hour online training on the Learning and Development (L&D) Platform and an in-person session. The L&D platform is accessible here.
The first in-person session will take place on Monday, 16 November, from 9:00 to 12:00 in Room 0215 of the Auditorium (Buildings 2 and 3). Registration occurs via the Learning & Development Platform upon completion of the online modules. Future dates are available on the online platform.
