In the realm of RCR, how is compliance defined?

Compliance in the context of Research Conduct and Responsible Research (RCR) primarily refers to the obligation to follow laws and regulations that govern research activities. This includes adhering to established guidelines, ethical standards, and institutional policies that are designed to ensure integrity and accountability in research practices.

Laws and regulations often encompass a variety of aspects, including the ethical treatment of human and animal subjects, data management, funding requirements, and reporting obligations. By focusing on compliance, researchers commit to conducting their work in a manner that is both ethical and legally sound, minimizing potential legal risks and promoting public trust in research outcomes.

In contrast, the other options do not encapsulate the legal responsibilities researchers must observe. Acceptance of all research methods might imply a permissive stance that overlooks regulatory requirements. Obligation to ethical principles alone would fall short of the comprehensive framework provided by laws and regulations. The idea of creating new laws does not align with the concept of compliance, which is about adhering to existing rules rather than generating new ones.