BU Research Blog

Today’s spotlight is on the Researchers’ Responsibilities

BU requires all those undertaking and/or contributing to research to adhere to the highest standards of performance and ethical conduct and embed good practice in all aspects of their work.  Researchers must operate honestly and openly in respect of their own actions and in response to the actions of others involved in research[1].

This means you need to:

• Comply with and operate in accordance with the principles and practices set out in BU’s Code of Good Research Practice
• Understand key university policies and procedures that relate to research. Know where to find them!  For those in receipt of external funding, you need to be aware of funder policies and guidance on research integrity.
• Consider research ethics, this includes ascertaining at what stage of your research you will need a formal ethics review.
• Make the most of training and other resources that are available to you.
• Know who you can contact if you have concerns on matters related to research integrity (scroll down to BU contacts) or ethics.
• Understand what constitutes Research Misconduct, so that it can be avoided.

Remember, there are a number of resources available to help you be that responsible researcher. The UK Research Integrity Office (UKRIO) have also produced a helpful Checklist for Researchers. This is a one-page, non-technical checklist highlighting key points of good practice in research.[2]

Remember the core elements of research integrity[3]

Honesty – in all aspects of research, including in the:

• presentation of research goals, intentions and findings
• reporting of research methods and procedures
• gathering data
• using and acknowledging the work of others
• conveying valid interpretations and making justifiable claims based on research findings

Rigour in:

• following disciplinary standard and norms
• performing research and using appropriate methods
• adhering to agreed protocol
• drawing interpretations and conclusions from the research
• in communicating the results

Transparency and open communication in:

• declaring potential competing interests
• the reporting of research data collection methods
• the analysis and interpretation of data
• making research findings widely available, which includes publishing or otherwise sharing negative or null results to recognise their value as part of the research process
• presenting the work to other researchers and to the public

Care and respect for

• all participants in research, and for the subjects, users and beneficiaries of research, including humans, animals, the environment and cultural objects
• the integrity of the research record

Accountability:

• of all those involved in the research process to collectively create an empowering and enabling research environment
• to take action when behaviour falls short of the accepted standards of good research practice.

[1] Good Code of Research Practice

[2] UKRIO

[3] Concordat to Support Research Integrity