Research integrity

The University is committed to the highest standards of research integrity and good practice in all of its research activities and has committed to the UKRIO Concordat to Support Research Integrity and to adhere to the UKRIO Code of Practice for Research in the conduct of its research.

The Concordat is supported by The Scottish Funding Council, The Higher Education Funding Council for England, The Higher Education Funding Council for Wales, Research Councils UK, The Wellcome Trust, The UK Department of Health, The UK Department for Employment and Learning and Universities UK.

The core elements of the Concordat to Support Research integrity, are:

  • Honesty in all aspects of research including in the presentation of research goals, intentions and findings, in reporting on research methods and procedures, in gathering data, in using and acknowledging the work of other researchers, and in conveying valid interpretations and making justifiable claims based on research findings
  • Rigour in line with prevailing disciplinary norms and standards, in performing research and using appropriate methods, in adhering to an agreed protocol where appropriate, in drawing interpretations and conclusions from the research and in communicating the results
  • Transparency and open communication in declaring conflicts of interest, in the reporting or research data collection methods, in the analysis and interpretation of data, in making research findings widely available, which includes sharing negative results as appropriate, and in presenting the work to other researchers and the general public
  • Care and respect for all participants in and subjects of research, including humans, animals, the environment, and cultural objects. Those engaged in research must also show care and respect for the stewardship of research and scholarship for future generations.

Research integrity, therefore, encapsulates good practice, misconduct, ethics, governance and professional standards in relation to research activity.

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