Research Councils UK launches consultation on good research conduct

Research Councils UK (RCUK) has published a consultation document on the governance of good research conduct. Its aim is to maintain and enhance the high standard of good research conduct and research integrity within UK universities and associated research institutes.

The consultation covers issues ranging from plagiarism, falsification of data, informed consent and protection of research subjects to concerns about whether weaknesses and cases of poor conduct that have been identified are fully pursued and publicly available, so they are unlikely to be repeated.

The consultation document suggests guidance on desirable management arrangements in research organisations to re-inforce a positive culture of good research conduct, and the need for a central repository of information on cases of proven misconduct.

RCUK also seeks views on whether there is a need for a national advisory body to establish guidance, best practices and procedures for promoting research integrity and good conduct, and having oversight of procedures for dealing with varying failures in conduct, including providing a record for employers of reported cases, and liaising with responsible bodies in other countries on cases which cross international boundaries.

The closing date for comment is 24 October 2008

From RCUK News