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Research Security Training Campaign October 15 - November 15

*ATTENTION*

The following information only applies to the upcoming Research Security training campaign from October 15 to November 15. For current training requirements, please see the RCR & Research Security Training webpage.  

Overview

Vanderbilt is moving from a rolling research security training requirement to an annual campaign. Beginning this year, all covered faculty, staff, and postdoctoral scholars are required to complete updated Research Security training between October 15 and November 15. This approach was developed in coordination with all VU schools to make the training more predictable for the research community and to ensure VU researchers are meeting federal requirements for ongoing, annual training prior to proposal submission and throughout the life of an award.

Training Requirement

The training requirement includes one course:

  • Research Security for VU Faculty and Staff

This course will be available in CITI Program. The course content will be updated from past offerings to include an interactive 1-hour consolidated module developed by the SECURE Center.

How to complete the training

Details about completing the training are forthcoming. Please look for an email from your school on October 15 with additional instructions. A course enrollment link and information about creating and updating CITI Program accounts will be posted to this webpage at the start of the campaign.

Information for Grant Managers

The current RCR and Research Security training requirements will remain in effect until the start of the AY 2026-27 campaign. Please continue to use the training dashboard to check for training completion prior to submitting proposals to SPA. RIC will provide more details about these changes at the upcoming October 8 Grants Managers-Research Finance-Sponsored Programs Administrative Meeting.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Why is Vanderbilt using an annual campaign window?

    A defined annual window gives researchers a predictable period each year to complete Research Security training and allows Vanderbilt to verify compliance before proposal deadlines. This approach also supports the University's response to increasing federal research security requirements. 

  • Can I do this training in advance?

    No. The training must be completed between October 15 and November 15.

  • Who is required to complete this training?

    All individuals who are engaged in sponsored research and all postdoctoral scholars are required to complete the training. 

  • I completed Research Security Training previously. Do I need to take it again?

    Yes. Research Security training is an annual requirement. As Vanderbilt transitions from a rolling training schedule to a common annual campaign, a small number of individuals who recently completed the training will need to complete it again during this year's campaign. We recognize the inconvenience and appreciate your assistance with this transition. The course has also been updated to reflect current research security requirements. 

  • Is Research Security training the same as Cybersecurity Training?

    No. These are two separate training requirements. Please see the Cybersecurity Training page for more guidance on cybersecurity training.

  • Do I still need to complete RCR training?

    All individuals engaged in sponsored research still need to complete training in the Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) every 4 years. However, the RCR training requirement will become a separate requirement on October 15 in order to avoid confusion with the annual Research Security training requirement. 

  • Who should I contact with questions or suggestions?

    Please reach out to researchsecurity@vanderbilt.edu with any questions or suggestions.