Best Practices in Research
The University of Tennessee takes seriously its obligation to implement and support best practices in research. Accordingly we have developed an online course covering the various aspects of responsible conduct of research. Issues addressed in the course include data management and ownership, mentoring, publication practices, peer review, collaborative science, research misconduct, and the compliance areas addressed below. The course, expected to be available in summer 2005, is structured in modules for ready access to specific topics. Updates will be provided here as the course is finalized.
The Federal government regulates research activities involving human subjects, animal subjects, radiological materials, and biological materials. For each of these areas, there is a campus committee that reviews proposed research projects. Application forms for obtaining such approval are available on the Office of Research (OR) web site. This site also provides basic information on these compliance areas, instructions for completing the application forms, and timelines for committee consideration and approval. Contact the Compliance Officer, Brenda Lawson (blawson@utk.edu, 974-7697) for further information. Another federally regulated activity is the export of goods, technologies, and information in sensitive areas. An example is the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITARs) administered by the U.S. Department of State. The OR will be developing information sites and training in this newly relevant area of export control.
Research is a vital component of graduate study, whether or not students are enrolled in a degree program that requires a thesis or dissertation. Learning research fundamentals and tools will serve you well whatever the structure of your graduate program. The Office of Research, located at 1534 White Avenue, provides information and support to facilitate the various research activities of faculty and students. The OR reviews and processes proposals for funding and negotiates contract provisions with sponsors. Identifying funding sources is done through the Community of Science (COS), a service to which the University subscribes, that allows researchers to post their interests and expertise and periodically receive customized messages of funding opportunities. You can register for COS by going to: www.cos.com. Click the "Join" button and select the University of Tennessee from the pull-down menu.
