Postdoctoral experience and training in the USA

Clarisse Faria-Fortecoƫf

The National Postodoctoral Association (NPA) and the new National Science Foundation (NSF) Research integrity requirement

Since 2003, the NPA has aimed at enhancing the quality of the postdoctoral training and experience in the U.S.

On the association’s website, you will find its comments on the NSF’s (see our article published in August 2008) implementation plan for the new responsible conduct of research (RCR) training requirement.
In accordance with the 2007 America COMPETES (Creating Opportunities to Meaningfully Promote Excellence in Technology, Education, and Science), the NSF will require that those submitting proposals that support students and postdocs provide for their training in RCR, beginning October 1, 2009
The NPA comments this new emphasis on the inclusion of RCR in postdoctoral training and encourages institutions to implement programs that address the unique needs of postdocs. 

Furthermore, the association supports the NSF's planned implementation of a digital database of best practices and resources on developing RCR.