The Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) is critical for the achievement of general excellence, as well as to earning public trust, in science, medicine, and engineering. While the public generally tends to regard scientists as trustworthy, individual cases of misconduct classified as falsification, fabrication, or plagiarism can lead many to question the overall results of research. Such misconduct cases can jeopardize investment in scientific pursuits required for the betterment of humanity.

RCR TOT Plus is a three-day workshop that reviews the nine core areas of an effective RCR program and outlines procedures for their successful implementation. This interactive program provides opportunities for professionals to participate in and analyze cases using the ethical decision making process. The exercise of proper mentorship outreach methods to students and junior professionals within academia will enhance the inculcation of appropriate moral behavior and attitudes for sound science. We will work together to apply these standards to the enhancement of ethical collaboration among those working in academia, private industry, and non-governmental organizations.

Excellent RCR education is considered essential for the preparation of ethical scientists, medical professionals, and engineers. This workshop will assist in participants who are interested in working with their institution’s leadership to assist junior staff and faculty to acquire the skills needed to develop a culture of scientific integrity at their institution.

The overall objective of the Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) training of trainers (TOT) workshop is to build a coterie of future RCR trainers to design and deliver a peer-driven professional integrity training program. The hoped-for outcome is the development of confident, competent RCR trainers who can give the ethics training support needed for a self-sustaining, competitive economy.

A significant core of Bahraini professionals presently participate in Tamkeen, the semiautonomous government agency in the country with two primary objectives: first, foster the development and growth of creative and dynamic economic initiatives; and second, provide support to enhance the productivity and training of the national workforce. The enhancement of RCR TOT skills fits efficiently and smoothly with these objectives.

Verification of successful completion of the RCR TOT will come in the form of the Society of Research Administrators International (SRAI) Research Integrity Certification. The SRAI Research Integrity Certificate provides a foundation for identifying, understanding and addressing the complex ethical dimensions of conducting research on a solid ethical platform. Those completing the certificate program will have obtained a basic understanding of topics associated with research integrity - including cultural aspects, goals for facilitating research integrity, and strategies for creating an institutional culture that values ethical and responsible practices in research.

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