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Research Integrity Areas of Conduct

This section provides a map of resources for each area of conduct. Each area sets out training / advice and online resources. Where relevant, official policies regarding research activities are provided.

Research Integrity - Overview and Principles

All researchers are encouraged to participate in training that gives them a general introduction to the concept of research integrity and why it is important to keep your knowledge in this area up to date. Researchers may find these useful for individual reflection or as a starting point for discussion within a research group or new collaboration.

Training and Online Resources

 

 

 

Plagiarism and Self-Plagiarism

Plagiarism is defined as the submission or presentation of work in any form, which is not your own, without acknowledgment of the sources. Special cases of plagiarism can arise by a researcher using their own previous work (self-plagiarism), e.g. where a researcher uses his or her previously disseminated text, data or ideas 'as new', without indicating their prior dissemination.

Training and Online Resources

Image Manipulation

Understanding the acceptable practices for publication of scientific images is essential to avoid retractions and research misconduct allegations.

Training and Online Resources

Publication and Authorship

Conduct in publication addresses the responsibilities that programme leaders have when authorising the publication of results. Beyond deciding on an appropriate place of publication, authorisation should cover the content of the paper, i.e. integrity of results, adequacy of internal peer review, appropriate protection of intellectual property rights. Publication conduct also concerns meeting University and funder requirements for open access, and ensuring there is no conflict of interest in the publication, use of data, or protection of IP. Many journals are starting to provide checklists for authors on issues to consider, prior to publication.

Correct attribution of authorship is essential: the Code of Good Practice in Research covers the expectations for athorship and use of the CReDiT taxonomy to identify contributions.

Training and Online Resources

Intellectual Property Advice

The Intellectual Property & Commercialisation team in the Research & Innovation Services office provide help and advice in all aspects of intellectual property arising from research. Researchers are encouraged to think clearly about IP ownership and potential conflicts of interest prior to the outset of any collaborations.

Training and Online Resources

Reproducibility, Stats and Research Design

Good experimental design and proper use of statistics is at the heart of research integrity, in order to ensure that research is reliable and reproducible. Increasingly, journals are setting out their own standards for these and researchers have a responsibility to keep up to date with what is expected and understood to be good research practice in their discipline. The University of Glasgow joined the UK Reproducibility Network (UKRN) in 2020.

Training and Online Resources

Research Ethics

The University of Glasgow requires ethical review of all non-clinical research involving humans subjects, data and materials. We work within the Department of Health/NHS ethics framework for clinical research on humans. We are committed to being open and transparent about the research we conduct involving animals. Research also poses wider social, political, legal and confidentiality issues that must be considered.  Anyone undertaking research involving animals or humans should ensure they are fully aware of their obligations in this area and have read the guidance from their College Ethics Committee.

Training and Online Resources

 

 

Data Management and Open Research

Throughout their work, researchers are required to keep clear and accurate records of the procedures followed and of the results obtained, including interim results. This is necessary not only as a means of demonstrating proper research practice, but also in case questions are subsequently asked about the conduct of the research or the results obtained.

The University requires data to be securely held for a period of ten years after the completion of a research project, or for longer if specified by the research funder or sponsor. The University is committed to ensuring data derived from publicly funded research is made available to other organisations and individuals and has a team of data management staff (based within the library) who can support you with understanding how to do this.

Training and Online Resources

 

Communicating Research to a Wider Audience

The University is committed to transparency and open communication, including dissemination of research findings to the wider public. Researchers should consider their strategies for this carefully, to ensure they are aware of the most appropriate channels of communication as well as any potential pitfalls.

Training and Online Resources

 

Collaboration

Prior to embarking on a research collaboration (even small or informal projects), researchers should ensure that all partners have a shared understanding of good research practice and responsibilities, and that issues of IP and authorship are carefully considered. Many of the resources in the first (overview) section of this page will be useful to stimulate discussion of this topic. Particular challenges may be presented where the research is being undertaken across international boundaries and the Montreal statement will be helpful in considering these.

Training and Online Resources 

 

Peer Review

Peer review is a key way that researchers can support their academic community. Researchers should ensure they understand their ethical obligations for peer review, including declaring conflicts of interest, and seek training if required. The online training courses below are available to all University of Glasgow staff and students (registration required). They are a good starting point and would also be useful for a refresher on good peer review practice. 

Training and Online Resources