Presented by leading research management software provider Infonetica, Dr Filipa Vance, Director of Research Policy, Governance and Integrity, was delighted to accept the Customer Community Thought Leaders award on behalf of the University last month.

In receiving the award, Filipa said:

This is a wonderful accolade for the Institution. We have implemented a lot of change which is not always easy, but we have established an approach to managing research ethics, integrity and governance that is well regarded and widely praised. We’ve also become known as a generous partner who is happy to share knowledge, lessons learnt and work with others to find solutions.

Driving positive research culture

Research ethics and integrity is one of the six strategic pillars of the University of Bath’s Research Culture Action Plan; supporting research that is conducted to the highest standards of academic rigour.

At the heart of this sits the Research Policy, Governance and Integrity team, led by Filipa. The team’s role is to support researchers, staff and students to deliver high quality research, by encouraging ethical research practices which uphold principles of integrity, openness and trust.

Alongside the expertise of RIS colleague Dr Dace Rozenberga, Filipa’s vision of an ethics ecosystem that enables research, not slows it down, was fully embraced and supported by the whole team. This, alongside their commitment to continued improvement, has been instrumental in driving a positive research culture forward and fully embedding research ethics and integrity at Bath.

The conversations we’re having now are much more about the quality of the research and what integrity looks like in practice, rather than just ticking the compliance box.

Dr Filipa Vance

Sharing insight beyond Bath

Key to Filipa and team’s success has been their approach. Filipa stresses the importance of maintaining a culture of trust, and open, honest conversations are essential to holding people accountable and bringing them on the journey.

Unsurprisingly, the team also take this approach when it comes to helping other universities and institutes. Sharing insights and learnings on how their systems, processes and governance can be optimally used, developed, and improved, they’ve made a significant impact in how ethics and integrity are embedded across research practices.

Infonetica told us:

Infonetica is happy to recognise the University of Bath with one of our Customer Community Awards. The University of Bath team have been pro-active in working with other universities in helping share understanding and best practice. Participating in webinars, giving presentations, and speaking directly with other universities, Filipa, Dace and the team at Bath have been instrumental in sharing ideas and innovating in supporting research processes.

Congratulations to all involved

Associate Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research, Professor Rachel Arnold congratulated the team on behalf of the University:

I’m absolutely delighted to congratulate Filipa, Dace, and the entire Research Policy, Governance and Integrity team on this well‑deserved award. This recognition reflects the excellent support they provide not only to our research community here at the University of Bath, but increasingly across the wider sector.

Read more

You can read more about how Filipa and the team achieved change in Filipa’s webinar Streamlining processes, supporting research integrity - insights from the University of Bath.