Within RCR, how is stewardship primarily defined?

Stewardship within the context of Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) primarily refers to the obligation to ethically use research resources. This encompasses a variety of responsibilities, including the proper management of funds, the appropriate use of facilities, equipment, and personnel, as well as the ethical treatment of data and subjects involved in research. Researchers have a duty to ensure that they utilize resources efficiently and responsibly, aiming to maximize the benefits of research while minimizing waste and harm.

This definition emphasizes the ethical dimensions of stewardship, highlighting that researchers are not only tasked with conducting their work effectively but also with maintaining integrity and accountability throughout the research process. This obligation can manifest in various ways, such as ensuring that research findings are reported accurately and comprehensively, using resources in a manner that respects the intent of funding bodies, and fostering a culture of ethical behavior within their research teams.

In contrast, the other choices do not capture the full essence of stewardship as it relates to RCR. For example, while ensuring maximum funding utilization can be part of responsible stewardship, it reflects a narrower focus on financial aspects rather than the broader obligation of ethical resource use. Similarly, accountability for personal research successes or limiting the use of external resources does not encompass the comprehensive ethical framework associated with