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Joint Research Management Office

Research Integrity

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Research Integrity at Queen Mary

 

Queen Mary University of London is committed to the highest standards of research integrity to produce rigorous, trustworthy, socially responsible and transformative research. This commitment forms part of our wider Responsible Research and Innovation agenda and supports the University's strategic objectives. Our approach is informed by the Concordat to Support Research Integrity and is embedded within our institutional policies and governance framework.

 

Contact Us

For information and advice about research integrity matters, including training or concerns about the conduct of a particular research study.  

Contact James Patterson, Research Integrity and Assurance Lead

What is Research Integrity?

Research integrity means conducting and communicating research in ways that are honest, rigorous, transparent and accountable, while demonstrating care and respect for everyone and everything involved in research. These principles apply across the entire research lifecycle, from idea development and funding applications through to publication and preservation of research outputs.

 

Five Principles of Research Integrity

*Senior researchers, supervisors and managers have an important role in modelling good practice and supporting others to meet expected standards.

Researchers should be honest when developing, conducting and communicating research. This includes:
  • describing research aims, methods and procedures accurately
  • gathering, recording and reporting data and information honestly
  • referencing sources and acknowledging the contributions of others
  • representing authorship, funding and other contributions accurately
  • communicating interpretations clearly
  • making claims supported by the research findings
  • being open about uncertainties, limitations and errors.

 

Research should use appropriate methods and follow relevant disciplinary standards. This includes:
  • following agreed protocols and recognised standards of practice
  • using methods appropriate to the research question
  • drawing interpretations and conclusions carefully
  • communicating findings accurately
  • keeping clear and complete research records
  • protecting the integrity, security and accessibility of the research record.

 

 

Researchers should be open about how research has been conducted and how conclusions have been reached, subject to appropriate legal, ethical, commercial and confidentiality requirements. This includes:
  • declaring relevant competing interests
  • explaining how data or information were collected and analysed
  • acknowledging the use of digital tools, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies where appropriate
  • sharing methods, findings and research outputs
  • following appropriate open research practices
  • correcting the research record when errors are identified.

 

Care and respect should be shown for everyone and everything involved in, affected by or benefiting from research. This may include:
  • research participants and members of the public
  • research teams, students and professional services staff
  • research partners and collaborators
  • animals used in research
  • the environment
  • cultural objects, collections and heritage
  • research users and beneficiaries.

 

 

 

Everyone involved in research is accountable for their decisions, actions and contributions. This includes:
  • understanding and fulfilling individual responsibilities
  • taking responsibility for contributions to the research record
  • complying with ethical, legal, professional and regulatory requirements
  • being accountable to research participants and affected communities
  • raising concerns when standards may not have been met
  • ensuring concerns are addressed through fair and appropriate processes.

 

 

 

How do we approach Research Integrity as a University?

Queen Mary undertakes to promote research integrity through a framework of governance, policies, procedures, continuous institutional learning, and training. This includes a transparent and robust approach to investigating allegations of research misconduct. Queen Mary publishes Annual Research Integrity Statements as part of its commitment to reviewing and strengthening research integrity.

The Named Person for Research Integrity at Queen Mary is Professor Andrew Livingston, Vice-Principal (Research and Innovation). Professor Livingston chairs our strategic Research Integrity Committee.

If you wish to make a formal complaint about a research study, please see our Research Misconduct page. 

Training

Queen Mary provides training to help researchers understand and apply the principles of research integrity.

Research Integrity Essentials – E-learning: This course will provide a grounding in the essentials of research integrity, including responsible and irresponsible research practices. The content is suitable for researchers at any stage of their career. The course is available on the CPD for staff and doctoral students.

Taught undergraduates and postgraduates can access the same course on QMPlus.

We also provide in person and online workshops, including:

Responsible Research and Innovation principles in real-world contexts

 

 

Resources and additional information:

  • The UK Committee on Research Integrity (UKCORI) - has a formal responsibility to provide strategic leadership, build consensus and co-ownership across the system and define the future structures required to support research integrity across the UK.
  • UK Research Integrity Office (UKRIO) - is an independent advisory body that supports the public, researchers, and organisations in furthering good research practice.
  • The embassy of good science - a community platform for research integrity and ethics, offering support in handling day-to-day research practices and dilemmas. The platform is a wiki - allowing users to contribute their knowledge and expertise.
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