Research Councils UK (RCUK) today publishes a consultation document on the governance of good research conduct. Its aim is to maintain and enhance the high standard of good research conduct and research integrity within UK universities and associated research institutes.
The consultation covers issues ranging from plagiarism, falsification of data, informed consent and protection of research subjects to concerns about whether weaknesses and cases of poor conduct that have been identified are fully pursued and publicly available, so they are unlikely to be repeated.
Speaking on behalf of RCUK, Glyn Davies said "We believe that standards of research conduct in the UK are high but it is important not to be complacent and we must ensure that we have robust systems in place to make sure that even minor incidents are recorded and dealt with appropriately. In cases of major failure in other countries it has usually been the case that this has followed the overlooking or unduly lenient treatment of earlier failures"
The consultation document suggests guidance on desirable management arrangements in research organisations to re-inforce a positive culture of good research conduct, and the need for a central repository of information on cases of proven misconduct.
RCUK also seeks views on whether there is a need for a national advisory body to establish guidance, best practices and procedures for promoting research integrity and good conduct, and having oversight of procedures for dealing with varying failures in conduct, including providing a record for employers of reported cases, and liaising with responsible bodies in other countries on cases which cross international boundaries.
The closing date for comment is 24 October 2008
The consultation document and information on how to respond is available here.
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Notes to editors
Glyn Davies is convenor of the RCUK Good Research Conduct Group, and currently works part-time as Director, International Affairs, for ESRC. He was until February 2008 Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Policy and Resources at ESRC.
About Good Research Conduct in RCUK
Misconduct in research undermines research activities, constitutes misuse of public funds, and weakens public faith in research outputs and on decisions made on research evidence. RCUK has a strong motivation to prevent misconduct in research and to ensure the highest possible professional conduct. RCUK wishes to provide the researchers it supports, as well as the wider research community, a clear statement of Research Council expectations in the research it funds.
Most commonly 'research misconduct' refers to instances of fabrication, falsification and plagiarism. However, good research conduct also includes issues of providing appropriate storage and accessibility of primary data, the avoidance of misrepresentation of findings, documenting results properly, ensuring adequate and robust research design, attributing honestly the contributions of others, avoidance of deception, the need for appropriate informed consent, treatment of confidentiality, respect for intellectual property, respect and avoidance of undue risk to research subjects, and the avoidance of other inappropriate behaviour.
About Research Councils UK
The seven Research Councils are independent non-departmental public bodies, funded by the Science Budget through the Department of Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS). They are incorporated by Royal Charter and together manage a research budget of over £2.8 billion a year.
Research Councils UK (RCUK) is the partnership between the UK's seven Research Councils. Through RCUK, the Research Councils work together to champion the research, training and innovation they support.
The seven UK Research Councils are:
Arts & Humanities Research Council (AHRC);
Biotechnology & Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC);
Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC);
Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC);
Medical Research Council (MRC);
Natural Environment Research Council (NERC);
Science & Technology Facilities Council (STFC).
Contact
Toni-Jo Henderson
RCUK Media Officer, Tel 01793 444023