Encouraging accountability in research: a pilot assessment of training efforts.

Purpose. This pilot assessment describes institutional approaches to satisfying the NIH training requirement in the responsible conduct of research. Descriptive information from this review will be valuable for institutions and researchers who are developing or improving training programs. Methods. The authors reviewed materials submitted by a sample of grantee institutions in response to a request by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Institutional and programmatic characteristics were summarized and described. Results. Institutions in the sample employed a diversity of approaches to satisfying the training grant requirement. Approaches varied both among and within institutions. Further, the number of training grants held at the institution had some impact on how the training grant requirement was met. Conclusion. This assessment is a valuable first step in describing institutional responses to the NIH training grant requirement. It indicates the need for further research on institutional approaches to education and training in the responsible conduct of research, including research on characteristics of training programs, effectiveness of training initiatives, and on how to broaden current training efforts to ensure that all scientists in training are prepared to address ethical dilemmas in their professional careers, regardless of the source of funding for their training.