Research integrity checklist

This checklist, structured in relation to different aspects of research integrity, is designed to assist supervisors and researchers 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. 

Research Integrity Checklist 

In working through this, supervisors can discuss:              

  • What research integrity means to them, to the University, to researchers and the community
  • What the University requires of its staff and students
  • Relevant 'subject’ or 'discipline’ specific codes
  • Project-specific requirements (eg human ethics approvals, laboratory notebooks, overseas-based research etc)

 

This checklist has been designed for use by supervisors and researchers at the start of a research project, 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.

Research integrity checklist and resources
Aspect of research integrity Suggested action Resources/web links Comments (eg when discussed, completed or follow-up actions)

Introduction to good practice in research

At the start of the research, provide researcher with information about University resources available.

Research integrity leaflet  - An introduction to the responsible conduct of research

Research Integrity core course – an online introductory course. compulsory for all University researchers

Research practice - what you need to consider when planning, conducting and reporting your research

 
University Academic Integrity in Research: Code of Practice and Procedure Discuss the University’s code and what this means in practice for researchers.

University code of practice

Research integrity and ethics – links to the University’s relevant policies, procedures and guidance

 
Subject-specific and local policies/guidelines

Discuss any relevant discipline-specific, funder-specific (eg UKRI) or professional codes of conduct, particularly as they work in practice.

Provide researcher with any external funding terms and conditions.

Provide researcher with any faculty, departmental or divisional policy documents relating to the conduct of his/her research.

UKRI policy and guidelines on governance of good research conduct (PDF)

UK concordat to support research integrity (PDF)

MRC, Good research practice: principles and guidelines

Wellcome, Responsible Conduct of Research

ESRC, Research ethics guidance

 
Authorship

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 project, including criteria for authorship.

Ensure that researcher 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

CRediT (Contributor roles taxonomy) - can help to define the roles typically played by contributors to research outputs

 
Conflict of interest

Discuss with the researcher the concept of 'conflict of interest’ in research.

Provide researcher 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

Online introductory training: conflicts of interest - see right hand side

 
Ethical and legal requirements  

Research involving animals

If the research will use animals, discuss the University’s procedures for ethics review.

Introduction to animal research at the University

Policy on the Use of Animals in Scientific Research

Ethics review process – Biomedical Services

Online introductory training: care and use of animals in research

 
Research involving human participants or personal data If the research involves human participants or personal data or materials, discuss the University’s procedures for ethics review.

Research Ethics Policy

Research ethics and human participants- an introduction leaflet

Process for seeking ethics review of such research

Clinical Trials and Research Governance

Online introductory training: research involving human participants

 
Licences and permissions

Discuss whether any licences and permissions are required before the research project commences (including any relevant training which might be necessary):

  • Import or export licences for materials
  • Licences to use certain materials
  • Agreements necessary to use materials, for example through a material transfer agreement (MTA)
  • Permissions from communities or government agencies

NB: This should include projects involving fieldwork overseas.

Material transfer agreements

Nagoya Protocol guidance

Export control guidance

Online introductory training: export controls

 

 
Research data and records management

Plan for how research data and records generated will be collected, stored, and managed.

Consider the following general areas:

  • Where these will be stored and how they will be identified
  • How to keep data and records secure and protected from damage/destruction
  • Accessibility
  • Confidentiality/privacy issues, including General Data Protection Regulation requirements
  • Archival/long-term value.

Other areas may specifically apply:

  • If the research is externally funded, are there terms and conditions relating to how data is collected and stored?
  • Laboratory notebooks
  • Research involving human participants (including consent forms, questionnaires).

Research Data Management

Research data management policy

Research funder requirements

University policy on data protection

Information Security – guidance and policy

 

 
Intellectual property

Discuss what intellectual property (IP) may be generated in the course of the project.

How this can be protected/exploited.

Intellectual property (IP)

Oxford University Innovation - Information for Oxford Researchers

Online introductory training: intellectual property - right hand side

 
Health and safety

Ensure the researcher has completed a local health and safety induction and is aware of:

  • who the relevant health and safety representatives are
  • Emergency procedures, particularly fire, first aid and incident reporting
  • Supervisory arrangements, particularly for out of hours or lone working.
  • Safeguarding code of practice

Discuss health and safety issues specific to the 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 training

Safeguarding ‘at risk’ adults and children

Fieldwork guidance (Social Sciences Division)

 
Advice and concerns about research conduct Discuss where advice may be sought and the procedures for dealing with queries, concerns or complaints about the research. Research misconduct – University guidance  
Skills training and professional development Discuss any further training needs related to the research and professional development more generally.

Researcher Hub – gateway to services available

 
Supervisory meetings Discuss how regularly to meet and set up meetings.

 

 
Mentoring

Discuss whether working with a mentor would be useful.

Mentoring – People and Organisational Development