Policy on research integrity

Version 1 (July 2017); date of last review – July 2022

This Policy outlines a framework to ensure that all research is conducted in accordance with good research practice. The Policy applies to anyone involved in research under the auspices of the institution. Research should be interpreted broadly to include all investigation undertaken in order to acquire knowledge and understanding, whether funded or unfunded.

The University is committed to maintaining the highest standards of ethics and integrity in its research, and places ethics and integrity at the heart of its decision making. As a component of this commitment, the University requires that all research projects undertaken under the auspices of the University observe a commitment to good research conduct as laid out in the Universities UK Concordat to Support Research Integrity and the UK Research and Innovation Policy and Guidelines on Governance of Good Research Conduct.

This Policy outlines a framework to ensure that all research is conducted in accordance with good research practice. The Policy applies to anyone involved in research under the auspices of the institution. Research should be interpreted broadly to include all investigation undertaken in order to acquire knowledge and understanding, whether funded or unfunded.

Principles

Below are the guiding principles that the University expects its researchers to abide by during all stages of a research project:

Honesty in all aspects of research
Compliance with laws, policies, and regulations
Accountability in the conduct of research
Transparency and open communication
Professional courtesy and fairness in working with others
Independence and impartiality
Good stewardship of research on behalf of others
Respect for the duty of care to humans, animals, the environment, or the objects that they study
Care and rigour in the design and planning of the research project.

Responsibilities

The Research Integrity and Governance Committee, and its subcommittees, are responsible to the University Council for ensuring that research is conducted in accordance with the principles of good research conduct. Staff members and students undertaking research in accordance with this Policy are responsible for:

Adhering to regulations and polices relevant to their research
Conducting research to high ethical standards, including:
- Disclosing conflicts of interest which could compromise the trustworthiness of the research
- Designing and conducting research in ways that avoids haste, inattention, carelessness, negligence, and harm
- Ensuring that all data is stored in a secure and accessible form, documented and archived appropriately
- Reporting findings fully and objectively
- Sharing data and findings openly and promptly
- Disseminating the results of the research transparently and honestly
- Publishing research in an accurate and timely manner
Undertaking appropriate training in order to carry out their duties
Ensuring that research collaborations are:
- Fair to all parties, acknowledging those who have made significant contributions to the research
- Conducted with transparency and sources of funding fully and openly declared
Reporting any suspected research misconduct – as defined in the University’s Policy on Misconduct in Research – and other irresponsible research practices that undermine the trustworthiness of the research.

Members of the University engaged in research should be familiar with the policies and codes of practice set out in the Appendix below.

Contacts

This Policy will be regularly reviewed in the light of experience and revisions to codes of practice laid down by any relevant professional or learned society. Any comments should be sent to integrity@liverpool.ac.uk.

Appendix

Relevant professional and learned society policies:

Download the Policy on research integrity (pdf)