About research integrity
How do we define "Research Integrity"?
As a research-led institution, the University of Glasgow is committed to providing an environment that ensures our research is conducted to the highest quality standards. Central to this commitment is the development of an environment that recognises and supports research excellence.
When embarking on a new research collaboration or taking on new staff or students (who may be lacking in experience in these areas) it is important to ensure that everyone has the same expectations for good research practice. The University's Code of Good Practice in Research is intended for all staff, including persons with honorary positions, and students carrying out research at, or on behalf of, the University. The video below provides a short overview of where to start if you want to know more about research integrity.
Research Integrity overview, Prof Miles Padgett
Key documents and links
Code of Good Practice in Research (pdf)
The UKRIO checklist for key points of good practice
University of Glasgow Data Management Support
Contacts
For questions or issues relating to research integrity or misconduct: For staff and students, the first point of contact is your local Integrity Champion or Adviser. If you do not feel this is appropriate in your case, a formal allegation should be raised with Prof Martin Hendry, Clerk of Senate (research-integrity@glasgow.ac.uk). Anyone external to the University wishing to report suspected research misconduct should contact Prof Martin Hendry. To report integrity or misconduct complaints anonymously by telephone please contact 0141 330 3721. For general enquiries please contact Amanda McKenna (Research Integrity Adviser).
For training, contact Sam Oakley (Research Governance and Integrity Manager)
Annual Statement on Research Integrity
In the interests of openness and accountability and to provide assurance to staff and the wider public that measures are being taken to support consistently high standards, the University is committed to making an annual statement on research integrity publicly available.
Annual Statement for Research Integrity 2021-2022
Annual Statement for Research Integrity 2020-2021
Annual Statement on Research Integrity 2018-2019
Annual Statement on Research Integrity 2017-2018
Annual Statement on Research Integrity 2016-2017
Annual Statement on Research Integrity 2015-2016
Annual Statement on Research Integrity 2014-2015
You can also visit our Research Culture webpages to find out how our work on research integrity fits within the wider picture at the University of Glasgow.
Response of the University of Glasgow to the Inquiry of the Science and Technology Committee (2017)
Training
The following pages provide information for staff and students on available training opportunities.
Research & Innovation Services (all training enquiries)
Dr Sam Oakley Researcher Development and Integrity Specialist
Where can students access training and what is expected?
New research students are required to complete training on research integrity within their first year of programme. The training is on Moodle and consists of an online module and a webinar. PGRs can self-enrol on Moodle and start the training at any time.
Research students should be involved at all stages of considering the ethical implications of their research. However, they are likely to lack experience in the rigorous design of research methodologies, consistent with expectations for good research practice.
A key role of the supervisor is to ensure that researchers receive training and mentoring in good research conduct, data management, gaining ethical approval, reporting results, use of statistics, IP and co-authorship / attribution. Research Data Management training is also mandatory for research students in the Colleges of MVLS or Science and Engineering (bookable through My Campus).
Students and supervisors should consider the range of training that is on offer through their college Graduate School and select the most appropriate. Attendance will be recorded as part of annual progress review. Students should check the guidance from their own College's research ethics committee on the types of training required and whether they are expected to participate in ethical review processes.
Students can find additional training opportunities and resources in our 'Conduct' section.
Where can staff get training and what is expected?
Research integrity spans several areas of research conduct.
Research integrity staff training sessions have moved online. You can complete the training at any time by self-enrolling on the Moodle course (contact samantha.oakley@glasgow.ac.uk if you have any problems accessing the training). This is an online version of the face to face workshop that can be completed in your own time. The training is highly recommended for academic staff, Technical Staff and research administrators and it is a mandatory element of ECDP (the development programme for new academic staff).
Staff should reflect on how they are keeping their knowledge and awareness of research integrity up to date in their annual P&DR. Online resources are also available and PIs / Supervisors are encouraged to use these as a starting point for discussion in their own research groups or collaborations. Contact Samantha Oakley for details.
Supervisor training also refers to research integrity topics: core training is on Moodle and there are additional resources there also for "Research Integrity and Supervision".
The annual research staff conference also includes workshops on themes relating to good research practice or data management (see previous presentations).
What is the difference between research ethics and integrity?
Research ethics and our policies in this area are focussed on the moral perspective of how research is conducted, particularly when working with human or animal subjects. Researchers should adhere to codes of practice or regulations in this area and (where required) attend specific training or undertake ethical review processes prior to conducting research. Work in this area is overseen by the University Ethics Committee and each College also has an Ethics Committee and local points of contact. Research students should discuss this with their supervisor to identify appropriate training or procedures that should be followed.
Research integrity is focussed on professional standards and responsible research conduct. It is relevant to researchers from all disciplines, as well as anyone supporting research (administrators, public engagement or communications specialists etc.). Training is available, and while this is mandatory for PGRs, and highly recommended for other research staff, all researchers have a professional responsibility to keep up to date with what this means for their discipline, and contribute to a culture of good research practice.