Report of the UK Research Integrity Futures Working Group

The UK Research Integrity Futures Working Group today (7 September) published its report which makes recommendations about arrangements for good research conduct in the UK.

The Working Group was established by Research Councils UK (RCUK) and Universities UK (UUK) and was chaired by Professor Dame Janet Finch. The report concludes that the UK and its employers of research would benefit from a unified approach to issue surrounding research integrity and recommends that a new system for research integrity in the UK should be development which builds on the UK’s existing strength in this area.

Professor Rick Rylance, RCUK Champion for Research Careers said: “RCUK warmly welcomes this report of the UK Research Integrity Futures Working Group. We are grateful to Professor Dame Janet Finch and her group for their exceptionally careful and thorough consideration of the issues. RCUK is considering the recommendations made and the best way to take them forward in the changing economic climate.”

The aim of the Working Group was to consider the existing arrangements for research integrity in the UK and the terms of reference, and resources required, for any new arrangements for research integrity from 2010.

Key recommendations made by the report include:

• The UK should have a single body to lead on the common issue of research integrity across all disciplines, all types of research and all research establishments.

• The UK body should be responsible for developing training in research integrity, providing support to employers and researchers, developing common standards, and co-ordinating the collection and analysis of data.

• The UK body should support employers by developing and communicating standards, and providing advice on common standards and approaches.

• The UK body should be closely associated with, but operate independently of, research funders, regulators and other stakeholders.

• The UK body should consider developing a system of light-touch reviews to provide assurance at national and international levels.

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Further information

Contact:
Jane Wakefield
RCUK Press and Communications Manager
Tel: 01793 444592

Notes for editors

1. The Working Group was established by Research Councils UK (RCUK), Universities UK (UUK) and the UK Departments of Health (DH) in association with the UK Higher Education Funding Councils (HEFCs), the Wellcome Trust, the Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC) and the Association of British Pharmaceutical Industries (ABPI).

2. The consultancy People, Science and Policy (PSP) was commissioned to provide a review of the current UK arrangements for the oversight of good research conducts and research integrity. The full PSP report is available here

3. Research Councils UK (RCUK) is the strategic partnership of the UK's seven Research Councils. We invest annually around £3 billion in research. Our focus is on excellence with impact. We nurture the highest quality research, as judged by international peer review providing the UK with a competitive advantage. Global research requires we sustain a diversity of funding approaches, fostering international collaborations, and providing access to the best facilities and infrastructure, and locating skilled researchers in stimulating environments. Our research achieves impact – the demonstrable contribution to society and the economy made by knowledge and skilled people. To deliver impact, researchers and businesses need to engage and collaborate with the public, business, government and charitable organisations. www.rcuk.ac.uk

   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).

4. Universities UK (UUK) is the representative organisation for the UK’s universities. Founded in 1918, its mission is to be the definitive voice for all universities in the UK, providing high quality leadership and support to its members to promote a successful and diverse higher education sector. With 133 members and offices in London, Cardiff and Edinburgh, it promotes the strength and success of UK universities nationally and internationally.