Research integrity
º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ is a research-intensive institution. It undertakes, promotes and disseminates research of the very highest international quality and aims to engage with business, public and voluntary organisations to create social, cultural and economic impacts from its research.
The University is committed to maintaining the highest standards of rigour and integrity in the conduct of its research as embodied in the Universities UK (UUK) Concordat to Support Research Integrity.
As an institution, we are therefore committed to:
- maintaining the highest standards of rigour and integrity in all aspects of research
- ensuring all research is conducted according to appropriate ethical, legal and professional frameworks, obligations and standards
- supporting a research environment that is underpinned by a culture of integrity and based on good governance, best practice and support for the development of researchers
- using transparent, timely, robust and fair processes to deal with allegations of research misconduct should they arise
- working together to strengthen the integrity of research and to review progress regularly and openly
We will continually revisit the issue of research integrity, to guarantee its principles are understood and accepted and that newly-introduced ethical, legal and professional obligations are met.
University Annual Research Integrity Statements
Everyone engaged in research at the University is responsible for observing the University's Code of Practice for Research and the principles outlined in the UK Research Integrity Office (UKRIO) Code of Practice for Research (2009) throughout all aspects of their research from initial concept through to final dissemination of outcomes. The UUK Concordat and the UKRIO Code of Practice are integral to the University’s Ethical Policy Framework which applies to all of the University’s activities and all members of the University community.
Excellence
Researchers should strive for excellence and aim to produce and disseminate work of the highest quality.
Honesty
Researchers should be honest in relation to their own research and that of others. They should do their utmost to ensure the accuracy of data and results, acknowledge the contributions of others, and neither engage in, nor conceal, misconduct.
Integrity
Researchers must comply with any legal and/or ethical requirements relevant to their study. They should declare any potential or actual conflicts of interest relating to research and where necessary take steps to resolve them, including those associated with publication.
Co-operation
Researchers should promote the open exchange of ideas, research methods, data and results and their discussion, scrutiny and debate. This is subject to any considerations of confidentiality.
Accountability
Researchers should recognise that in and through their work they are ultimately accountable to the general public and should act accordingly. Any research undertaken should comply with any agreements, terms and conditions relating to the project, and allow for proper governance and transparency. Researchers should follow the requirements and guidance of any professional bodies in their field of research and members of a regulated profession must follow the requirements and guidance of the body regulating their profession.
Training and Skills
Researchers should ensure that they have the necessary skills, training and resources to carry out their research, in the proposed research team or through collaboration with specialists in relevant fields. Any identified unmet needs should be reported and resolved.
Safety
Researchers should ensure the dignity, rights, safety and wellbeing of all involved in research, avoid unreasonable risk or harm to research subjects, patients, participants, researchers and others and report any concerns. Researchers should ensure that any risks that could impact on the safety of those involved in research, whether researchers, participants or others are assessed and effectively managed to reduce the risk of injury or harm to themselves, the wider community or environment.
Contacts
Research Integrity at the University is overseen by the Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research and Innovation). For further information or guidance contact the Research Governance Officer.
UKRIO confidential advice service
The UK Research Integrity Office (UKRIO) is an independent charity, offering support to the public, researchers and organisations to further good practice in academic, scientific and medical research. Its confidential advice service is available to free of charge to individuals (members of the public, research participants, patients, researchers and students) and subscribing organisations.