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Research integrity

The University publishes an Annual Statement on Research Integrity.  It is one of the five commitments institutions make to support good research practice and a healthy research culture when they sign up to the Concordat to Support Research Integrity.

The core elements of research integrity are:

  • Honesty in all aspects of research, including in the presentation of  research goals, intentions and findings; in reporting on research methods and procedures; in gathering data; in using and acknowledging the work of other researchers; and in conveying valid interpretations and making justifiable claims based on research findings.
  • Rigour, in line with prevailing disciplinary norms and standards: in performing research and using appropriate methods; in adhering to an agreed protocol where appropriate; in drawing interpretations and conclusions from the research; and in communicating the results.
  • Transparency and open communication in declaring conflicts of interest; in the reporting of research data collection methods; in the analysis and interpretation of data; in making research findings widely available, which includes sharing negative results as appropriate; and 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. Those engaged with research must also show care and respect for the stewardship of research and scholarship for future generations.

Named contact

The senior member of staff responsible for overseeing research integrity is the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Innovation: Professor Nick Plant.

The first point of contact for anyone wanting more information on matters of research integrity is the Head of Governance Support, Secretariat: Catherine Cho.

Responsibilities

Researchers (staff and students) have an obligation to ensure that research is conducted with integrity and sensitivity. They must ensure that at all times they observe high standards of academic conduct and integrity and are aware of the consequences of failure to observe the University's requirements. Self-paced, online training in research integrity and research ethics is available to all staff and students involved in research, please visit the OD&PL pages to request access.

Academic integrity

Academic integrity and plagiarism
VLE tutorial on academic integrity

Further information