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Rigor and Reproducibility (R&R) is the the strict application of the scientific method to ensure unbiased and well-controlled experimental design, methodology, analysis, interpretation and reporting of results.
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The National Institutes of Health and other funding agencies have integrated the need to address Rigor and Reproducibility (R&R) in grant applications for several years. The goals of R&R integration into applications is to ensure that the best and most rigorous science is being conducted, highlight the need to describe details that may have been previously overlooked, and highlight the need to consider such details while minimizing burden.
Junior scientists must be trained in proper methods to ensure Rigor and Reproducibility, and senior scientists may need to be trained or reminded of the concepts encompassing R&R.
The NIH has prepared several infographics to assist researchers in meeting R&R requirements in applications.
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Who needs R&R training?
All trainees and scholars who are supported by NIH and AHRQ Institutional Research Training or Institutional Career Development grants, including D43, K12, T15, T32, T34, T35, and T90/R90 mechanisms and other mechanisms if noted in the FOA, must obtain training in R&R. The NIH and AHRQ first supplied advanced notice of the requirements in December of 2019 (NOT-OD-20-033 and NOT-OD-20-090).
Other funding agencies may require R&R training in specific project announcements or grant terms.
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What are the R&R training requirements?
The guidance (NOT-OD-20-033 and NOT-OD-20-090) on training is not specific and only stipulates that training should be in the areas of “rigorous research design and relevant data science and quantitative approaches”.
Trainees funded on project(s) that included a Plan for Instruction in Methods for Enhancing Reproducibility (Plan) as part of the application should follow the submitted Plan. If the plan for training in R&R changes, the PI should work with the Office of Sponsored Programs to update the agency regarding such changes.
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What type of RCR training is offered at UIC?
UIC offers the following R&R training:
- RCR workshop Series for Postdocs and Faculty , offered by OVCR, does include single sessions on R&R that qualify as training by the NIH standards marked with ‡ after the title
- CCTS Research Methods Course, offered by the CCTS
- Other offerings: Some colleges or units offer R&R specific training, and trainees should check with their College Research Office to see what training is offered.
If you know of other R&R Training available at UIC, please let us know.
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Resources
The UIC CCTS offers a biostatistics resource that can help in meeting rigor and reproducibility standards as well as other resources. If you know of other R&R Training available at UIC, please let us know.
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How do I comply with NIH and AHRQ R&R requirements?
- A R&R written plan is required at the time of application for institutional training and career development projects.
- A statistics course would meet the requirements, if the course is above the level of training that you have already received.
- Attendance at the UIC Senior RCR Workshop sections designated with ‡ after the title will serve as an elementary introduction to the topics of R&R and meet the minimum training requirement.
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NIH R&R Resources
The National Institutes of Health Rigor and Reproducibility page provides significant resources and information on this topic.
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For questions about R&R, contact ORI@uic.edu.