Facilitating world-class research
This checklist, structured in relation to different aspects of research integrity, is designed to assist supervisors and students not only to abide by the principles set out in the University’s Academic Integrity in Research: Code of Practice and Procedure but also to engage in a broader dialogue about research integrity and good practice in research.
In working through this, supervisors can discuss:
This checklist has been designed for use by supervisors and students at the start of a student’s research, for discussion periodically throughout the project and for review at least annually. It can also be used as a checklist for all involved in research who need to be aware of and abide by the principles of research integrity set out by the University, research funders, regulators, professional association and the law.
Introduction to good practice in research
Research integrity leaflet (PDF) - An introduction to the responsible conduct of research
Research Integrity Online – an online introductory course. Choose one from five discipline-based courses
University code of practice
Research integrity and ethics – links to the University’s relevant policies, procedures and guidance
Discuss any relevant discipline-specific, funder-specific (eg UKRI) or professional codes of conduct, particularly as they work in practice.
Provide student with any external funding terms and conditions.
Provide student with any faculty, departmental or divisional policy documents relating to the conduct of his/her research.
RCUK Policy and Guidelines on Governance of Good Research Conduct
UK research funders’ Concordat to support research integrity (PDF)
MRC, Good research practice: principles and guidelines
Wellcome Trust, Guidelines on good research practice
ESRC, Framework for Research Ethics
Discuss, in general, requirements for a person to be listed as an author of a publication.
Discuss what the publication strategy will be for the student’s project, including criteria for authorship.
Ensure that student is aware of the authorship practices within their own discipline and any guidelines set by the journals in which they hope to publish.
Discuss authorship throughout the project, especially prior to work being prepared or submitted for publication. Agree on authorship and attribution for each publication.
Publication and authorship – University guidance
Open Access at Oxford – guidance for researchers
Plagiarism – what constitutes plagiarism and how to avoid unintentional plagiarism
Discuss with the student the concept of 'conflict of interest’ in research.
Provide student with copy of University’s policy and discuss how any potential conflicts associated with their research might be declared and managed.
University guidance on conflict of interest
University policy on conflict of interest
Research involving animals
Introduction to animal research at the University
Policy on the Use of Animals in Scientific Research
Ethical review process – Biomedical Services
Policy on the ethical conduct of research involving human participants and personal data
Research ethics leaflet (PDF) (an introduction leaflet)
Process for seeking ethical review of such research
Clinical Trials and Research Governance
Discuss whether any licences and permissions are required before the research project commences (including any relevant training which might be necessary):
NB: This should include projects involving fieldwork overseas.
Material transfer agreements
Nagoya Protocol guidance
Export control guidance
Discuss how research data and records generated will be collected, stored, and managed.
Consider the following general areas:
Other areas may specifically apply:
Research Data Management
University policy on the management of data supporting research outputs
Research funder requirements
University policy on data protection
Information Security – guidance and policy
Discuss what intellectual property (IP) may be generated in the course of the project.
How this can be protected/exploited.
Intellectual property
Oxford University Innovation - Information for Oxford Researchers
Ensure the student has completed a local health and safety induction and is aware of:
Discuss health and safety issues specific to the student’s research, eg laboratory safety, fieldwork, overseas travel etc. Ensure risk assessments covering the hazards they are likely to encounter are discussed or completed.
Supervisors’ responsibilities
Health and safety induction training, including safety in fieldwork
Further health and safety training
Safeguarding ‘at risk’ adults and children
Fieldwork guidance (Social Sciences Division)
Support for researchers – gateway to services available
Discuss with student whether working with a mentor would be useful.
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