The document is a summary of a panel discussion led by Joan Ferrini-Mundy, then Chief Operating Officer of the National Science Foundation (NSF), addressing the NSF's perspectives on fostering integrity in research as highlighted in the National Academy of Sciences' "Fostering Integrity in Research" report. The NSF's substantial financial investment in research and education is outlined, emphasizing its broad reach—supporting over 362,000 individuals across 2,000 institutions and being associated with numerous Nobel Laureates. A key focus is the NSF's ongoing commitment, spurred by the America COMPETES Act of 2009, to Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) education, acknowledging it as an essential, integrated component of scientific inquiry.
The document explores best practices and persistent challenges in RCR training, stressing the importance of active, case-based, faculty-involved, and multi-level educational strategies that are adaptable across disciplines. It notes the challenges in defining clear goals, effective formats, assessment techniques, and disseminating best practices. The NSF's "Cultivating Cultures for Ethical STEM" (CCE STEM) program is highlighted as an initiative funding research into the factors and institutional cultures that effectively promote ethical behavior in STEM, including honor codes, service learning, and inclusive environments. The discussion closes by urging increased attention to the development, implementation, and evaluation of RCR education, positioning the scientific community—and NSF in particular—as leaders in advancing research integrity.
