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CODE OF GOOD PRACTICE FOR RESEARCH
High standards of research integrity underpin the quality and reliability of research outcomes and the subsequent impact in the broadest terms.
Our University expects all University employees and students, honorary and visiting staff to conduct research to the highest standards of rigour and integrity. We have confidence in the excellent quality of our research being undertaken and in our academic staff and students to maintain the highest possible standards.
This document sets out the standards of good research practice and principles to be understood and observed by all University employees and students (from this point will be referred to as researchers).
1 HONESTY
Researchers should be honest in respect of their own research and in their responses to the actions of other researchers. The research should be conducted to the highest levels of integrity which applies to the whole range of research, including:
applying for funding, research/experimental design, generating, recording, analysing and interpreting data, robust and defensible findings, publishing results, acknowledging the direct and indirect contributions of colleagues, collaborators and others, reporting cases of suspected misconduct in a responsible and appropriate manner (see University Policy and Procedure on Research Misconduct).
Plagiarism, piracy or the falsification or fabrication of results will be regarded as a serious disciplinary offence.
2 OPENNESS
In recognising the need for researchers to protect their own and the University’s research interests in the process of planning their research, obtaining findings and publishing the result, the University encourages researchers to be as open as possible in discussing their work with other researchers and with the public (subject to the terms and conditions of any research contracts and the protection of intellectual property, commercial exploitation and ethical approval).
This includes:
the disclosure of any conflicts of interest; the reporting of research data collection methods; the analysis and interpretation of data; making all research findings widely available (including sharing negative results as appropriate); disseminating research in a way that will have the widest impact; and promoting public engagement/involvement in research.
3 RIGOUR
Researchers must be thorough and meticulous in performing their research (in line with disciplinary norms and standards) and observe the standards set out in the guidelines of funding bodies, scientific and learned societies and other relevant professional bodies and care is taken:
to use the appropriate methods, to adhere to an agreed protocol (where appropriate), when drawing interpretations and conclusions from the research, when communicating the results.
4 CARE AND RESPECT
Researchers should at all times show care and respect to other colleagues and participants in and subjects of research
5 LEADERSHIP
The University is responsible for creating a research environment that nurtures good research practice and a culture of research integrity. The Vice Chancellor, Deputy Vice Chancellors, Faculty Deans, Faculty Directors of Research, Heads of School, Institute Directors, Professorial and senior staff are responsible for creating a climate and capacity in which research is undertaken that safeguards good research practice.
The creation of a research environment in which researchers are encouraged to develop their skills and promote open exchange of research ideas which are open to scrutiny and debate is crucial. Researchers should be encouraged to undertake appropriate continual professional development and mentoring opportunities across all aspects of research activity.
Open Access
The University requires all researchers to deposit forthcoming publications into the University Repository following notification of approval for publication. This must be done within three months of the notification being received.
9 SUBMITTING RESEARCH PROPOSALS
Principal/Lead Investigators should take reasonable steps to ensure the accuracy and completeness in applications for funding. All University processes must be adhered to and any ethical issues discussed at the Research Ethics Sub-Committee.
10 MANAGING RESEARCH PROJECTS
Principal/Lead Investigators have a responsibility to take all reasonable measure to ensure compliance with the requirements of the sponsor(s), the University and all legal, ethical and moral obligations in managing projects.
11 CONFLICT OF INTEREST
Researchers should identify, declare and manage any real or potential conflicts of interest, whether legal, ethical, moral, financial, personal or professional to avoid any future complications and potential exposure of the University to legal action. Any conflict of interest should be brought to the attention of the Research Ethics Sub-Committee.
12 RESEARCH MISCONDUCT
Allegations of research misconduct will be taken seriously by the University and addressed through the University’s Policy and Procedures for Investigation Allegations of Misconduct in Research.
