Research Integrity and Misconduct
Why This Is Important
“The scientific enterprise is built on a foundation of trust. Society trusts that scientific research results are an honest and accurate reflection of a researcher’s work. Researchers equally trust that their colleagues have gathered data carefully, have used appropriate analytic and statistical techniques, have reported their results accurately, and have treated the work of other researchers with respect. When this trust is misplaced and the professional standards of science are violated, researchers are not just personally affronted – they feel that the base of their profession has been undermined. This would impact the relationship between science and society. …Established researchers have a special responsibility in upholding and promulgating high standards in science. They should serve as role models for their students and for fellow researchers, and they should exemplify responsible practices in their teaching and their conversations with others. They have a professional obligation to create positive research environments and to respond to concerns about irresponsible behaviors. Established researchers can themselves gain a new appreciation for the importance of professional standards by thinking about the topics presented in this guide and by discussing those topics with their research groups and students. In this way, they help to maintain the foundations of the scientific enterprise and its reputation with society.” Ralph J. Cicerone, Charles M. Vest, and Harvey V. Fineberg. 2009. Preface to “On Being a Scientist – A Guide to Responsible Conduct in Research.” The National Academies Press, Washington, DC. 63pp.
We invite you to read HSC’s policy on Research Integrity. The policy sets standards for the ethical conduct of research and describes what needs to be happen in cases in which an allegation of research misconduct is made against a UNTHSC researcher. The policy applies to all members of the UNTHSC research community, including faculty members, students, post-doctoral fellows and research staff, working on research projects in any discipline.
The video simulation allows users to assume the role of a graduate student, post-doc, research administrator, or PI and make decisions that affect the integrity of research.
Please also access our HSC Research Integrity Procedural Manual. This manual provides step-by-step processes our institution must follow when addressing and processing a research integrity case.
The following are some additional useful links pertinent to the ethical conduct of research and research misconduct:
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