The reputation of the University as an elite, research-intensive institution is built on the consistently high-quality research conducted by our staff and students. In order for us to maintain that reputation, it is important that everyone involved in undertaking research continues to meet the highest accepted standards.

Research integrity means conducting research in a way which allows others to have trust and confidence in the methods used and the findings that result from this. Within the University, conducting research with integrity also means meeting the professional standards expected of our researchers.

The University takes as its starting point the definition of research integrity provided by the Concordat to Support Research Integrity, the key elements of which are honesty, rigour, transparency and the care and respect of all participants.

The University expects all researchers to abide by its standards of research integrity.

Honesty in all aspects of research, including:

• presentation of research goals, intentions and findings
• reporting on research methods and procedures
• gathering data
• using and acknowledging the work of other researchers
• conveying valid interpretations and making justifiable claims based on research findings

Scrupulous care, thoroughness and excellence in research practice:

• in performing research and using appropriate methods
• in adhering to an agreed protocol where appropriate
• in drawing interpretations and conclusions from the research
• in communicating the results

Transparency and open communication:

• in declaring conflicts of interest
• in the reporting of research data collection methods, including the reuse of data collected for other purposes
• in the analysis and interpretation of data
• in making research findings widely available, including sharing negative results as appropriate
• in presenting the work to other researchers and to the general public

Care and respect for:

• all participants in and subjects of research, including humans, animals, the environment and cultural objects
• the stewardship of research and scholarship for future generations

The University’s commitment to integrity in our research is affirmed in its Code of Good Practice in Research Integrity.

The Code sets out the professional standards that the University expects of researchers, provides guidance for researchers on good research conduct and issues relating to integrity. We expect everyone involved in research at the University to familiarise themselves with the Code and to apply its standards to their research.