NU uses several online training modules offered through CITI to meet various federally mandated training requirements. Key modules for use by the NU Research Community are outlined below, including who must take the training and when.

The requirements to complete RCR, human subjects, and fCOI training are each unique and distinct. One cannot be substituted for another. All researchers must complete at least one discipline-specific CITI Training module most closely related to the research or attend at least one in-person workshop in order to satisfy the RCR requirement. Anyone working with human subjects must also take the CITI Human Subjects Research Stage 1 Basic Course. All researchers must also take the CITI fCOI training module.

CITI training is valid for a 3 year period. Principal Investigators, key personnel, and staff must renew their training certification before it expires by taking either a refresher course or retaking the full course

Aside from CITI training, additional training resource links are provided on the right.

CITI Training Title/TypeCITI Training Course NumberPI, PD, Senior/Key Personnel or InvestigatorsUnder/Graduate Students and Post Docs
Financial Conflict of Interest (fCOI)128383As required by funding agencies adhering to PHS regulationsOnly if designated “Investigator” on an award subject to PHS regulations
Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) by discipline / research area
Physical Science RCR101589As required by funding agency terms and conditions (select the course that best aligns with award discipline)Required for all paid by NSF funded awards or on NIH training grants (T, F, K series) to take RCR aligning with award’s discipline
Biomedical RCR103094As required by funding agency terms and conditions (select the course that best aligns with award discipline)Required for all paid by NSF funded awards or on NIH training grants (T, F, K series) to take RCR aligning with award’s discipline
Humanities RCR101590As required by funding agency terms and conditions (select the course that best aligns with award discipline)Required for all paid by NSF funded awards or on NIH training grants (T, F, K series) to take RCR aligning with award’s discipline
Engineering RCR101586As required by funding agency terms and conditions (select the course that best aligns with award discipline)Required for all paid by NSF funded awards or on NIH training grants (T, F, K series) to take RCR aligning with award’s discipline
Social & Behavioral RCR101588As required by funding agency terms and conditions (select the course that best aligns with award discipline)Required for all paid by NSF funded awards or on NIH training grants (T, F, K series) to take RCR aligning with award’s discipline
Export ControlAs required by funding agency terms and conditions (select the course that best aligns with award discipline)Required for all paid by NSF funded awards or on NIH training grants (T, F, K series) to take RCR aligning with award’s discipline
Human Subject Research Protection
Human Subjects Research55041274Under the direction of the Office of the Vice Provost for Research, Northeastern University requires completion of training on the protection of human subjects and the ethical principles of research for all human subject research, regardless of whether or not investigators have received funding to support their project. This training is mandatory for all faculty, staff, and students who conduct/supervise research involving human subjects whether on campus or off-campus, whether funded or unfunded. Documentation of training must be on file with the Office of Human Subject Research Protection. HSRP will accept documentation of human subject protection training from other institutions.

To complete any CITI training modules:

  1. Log into CITI Program
  2. For new users, select “Register”
    • Select Northeastern University from the drop down menu entitled Select your institution or organization
    • Submit the remaining registration details
    • Select Add a course or update your learner groups for Northeastern University
    • Select Yes when asked if you would like to take the selected course
    • Complete the course as directed
  3. For users with an existing CITI account, sign into your existing account and verify that your account reflects your Northeastern University affiliation
    • Select Add a course or update your learner groups for Northeastern University
    • Select Yes when asked if you would like to take the selected course
    • Complete the courses as directed

For questions about training, contact [email protected].

Last Updated on December 6, 2023

Report a Concern

Northeastern University strongly encourages any member of the community to report unethical or questionable conduct including concerns about research misconduct.

To report a concern, you may email Research Compliance or contact the EthicsPoint confidential and anonymous reporting hotline.