Training in Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) and Rigor and Reproducibility is integrated throughout the trainee experience rather than treated as a stand-alone requirement. Through formal instruction, workshops, mentoring, and research activities, trainees learn the principles and practices that support trustworthy and impactful science.
The Responsible Conduct of Research curriculum addresses topics such as research ethics, data management, authorship and publication practices, peer review, conflicts of interest, collaborative science, and professional responsibilities. These discussions encourage trainees to consider not only how research is conducted, but also the broader responsibilities scientists have to colleagues, institutions, and society.
Complementing this training is a strong emphasis on scientific rigor and reproducibility. Trainees learn how to design experiments that minimize bias, apply appropriate statistical approaches, maintain accurate records, and ensure that findings can be validated and reproduced. As biological datasets become increasingly complex, trainees are also introduced to best practices in data analysis, transparency, and reporting.
Faculty mentors reinforce these principles through ongoing guidance within the research environment, helping trainees apply ethical and rigorous research practices directly to their own projects. By integrating responsible conduct and rigorous methodology throughout training, the program seeks to cultivate investigators who are prepared to contribute reliable, high-quality science to the field of aging research.
Ultimately, these experiences help trainees develop the judgment, accountability, and scientific standards required for successful careers as independent investigators and leaders in geroscience.