RCUK welcomes launch of new Concordat to Support Research Integrity

Research Councils UK (RCUK) welcomes the launch today (11th July) of the new Concordat to Support Research Integrity. The concordat, managed by Universities UK, sets out a series of clear commitments and responsibilities for ensuring that UK research continues to meet the highest standards.

Professor Rick Rylance, Chair of RCUK, commented: 'RCUK welcomes this concordat and will work closely with partners to ensure it is implemented effectively. We believe it will encourage the wider adoption of much existing good practice and of current Research Council funding requirements. As such it represents a balanced approach that responds to the legitimate concerns expressed by bodies such as the Science and Technology Committee but will not entail a significant additional regulatory or cost burden on the sector'.

RCUK is one of the signatories of the concordat and looks forward to continuing to work with Universities UK as well as the other signatories and partners in implementing the Concordat.

The Concordat to Support Research Integrity is available from the UUK website here.

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Further information

Contact:
Alexandra Saxon
Head of Communications
Tel: 01793 444474 or email: Alexandra Saxon

Notes to editors

1. RCUK, along with the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE), Wellcome Trust and government departments, have been part of the group convened by UUK to develop the Concordat. More information on RCUK and research integrity can be found here.

2. Research Councils UK (RCUK) is the strategic partnership of the UK's seven Research Councils who annually invest around £3 billion in research. We support excellent research, as judged by peer review, that has an impact on the growth, prosperity and wellbeing of the UK. To maintain the UK’s global research position we offer a diverse range of funding opportunities, foster international collaborations and provide access to the best facilities and infrastructure around the world. We also support the training and career development of researchers and work with them to inspire young people and engage the wider public with research. To maximise the impact of research on economic growth and societal wellbeing we work in partnership with other research funders including the Technology Strategy Board, the UK Higher Education funding bodies, 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).