Research integrity checklist
Checklist for research students and their supervisors at the University of Oxford
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:
- 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 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.
| Aspect of research integrity | Suggested action | Resources/web links |
|---|---|---|
|
Introduction to good practice in research |
At the start of the research, provide student with information about University resources available. |
An introduction to the responsible conduct of research Research Integrity Online – an online introductory course. Choose one from five discipline-based courses |
| University Academic Integrity in Research: Code of Practice and Procedure | Discuss the University’s code and what this means in practice for researchers. |
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 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 |
| 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 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 |
| Conflict of interest |
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. |
|
| Ethical and legal requirements | ||
|
Research involving animals |
If the student’s research will use animals, discuss the University’s procedures for ethical review. |
Introduction to animal research at the University Policy on the Use of Animals in Scientific Research Ethical review process – Biomedical Services |
| Research involving human participants or personal data | If the student’s research involves human participants or personal data or materials, discuss the University’s procedures for ethical review. |
Policy on the ethical conduct of research involving human participants and personal data (an introduction leaflet) |
| Licences and permissions |
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. |
|
| Research data and records management |
Discuss how research data and records generated will be collected, stored, and managed. Consider the following general areas:
Other areas may specifically apply:
|
University policy on management of research data and records 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. |
Oxford University Innovation - Information for Oxford Researchers |
| Health and safety |
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. |
Health and safety induction training, including safety in fieldwork Further health and safety training |
| 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 with student any further training needs related to the research and professional development more generally. |
Support for researchers – gateway to services available |
| Supervisory meetings | Discuss how regularly to meet and set up meetings. |
University of Oxford - Research supervision – general information |
| Mentoring |
Discuss with student whether working with a mentor would be useful. |
Mentoring – Oxford Learning Institute |
