Research Integrity
The CRUK Scotland Institute is committed to achieving research excellence throughout the entire research lifecycle, from experimental design through data generation, analysis, management and preservation, to the sharing, dissemination and publication of our research outputs.
Research integrity is fundamental to delivering this ambition and we advocate the five research integrity principles of the Concordat to Support Research Integrity — honesty, rigour, transparency and open communication, care and respect, and accountability. Our commitment to supporting our researchers to work to the highest standards, conduct responsible research, and produce robust, reproducible and trustworthy data is delivered through our Research Integrity Service.
The Research Integrity Service
The Research Integrity Service fosters an environment where research integrity is at the forefront of research, embeds processes and infrastructure that enable high quality and trustworthy research, destigmatises raising concerns, enables openness and transparency in making allegations of research misconduct, and positions the CRUK Scotland Institute as pioneers of responsible research practices.
The service is led by Dr Catherine Winchester and is underpinned by a research integrity framework consisting of four key areas.
Governance
Policies underpinning our research
Good Practice Support
Training, champions & reviews
Stewardship
Archiving published data
Knowledge Exchange
Sector engagement
Our annual statements on research integrity reflect our work to support and safeguard our research and researchers in maintaining high standards of research integrity in a positive research environment.
FAQs
What is research integrity?
A set of principles, as defined in the Concordat to Support Research Integrity, that enable good research practice and promote trust in the research process and its outputs:
- Honesty
- Rigour
- Transparency and open communication
- Care and respect
- Accountability
Who do I contact about research integrity?
Email Dr Catherine Winchester, Head of Research Integrity.
How do I raise a concern about research integrity?
Concerns about potential mistakes, honest errors, questionable research practices and poor research conduct should be raised by completing the Research Conduct Assessment Form (Word document) and emailing it to the Head of Research Integrity or the Research Integrity Service.
How are research integrity concerns reviewed and assessed?
All concerns are reviewed to determine their nature and how to proceed. If they fall under the Policy on Assessing Research Conduct the Head of Research Integrity assesses them, reviewing original primary data to determine validity and seriousness. A decision on how to proceed is made with the Institute’s Research Integrity Committee.
Concerns within the scope of other policies (Research Misconduct, Disciplinary and Grievance, Bullying and Harassment, financial fraud, ethical or legal breaches) are transferred to the relevant policy.
What is research misconduct?
Behaviours and deliberate actions that fall short of the five principles, including but not limited to: fabrication, falsification, plagiarism, failure to meet legal/ethical/professional obligations, misrepresentation of data, research involvement, competing interests, qualifications, publication history, and improper dealing with allegations.
How do I make a formal allegation of a breach or research misconduct?
Complete the Research Conduct Assessment Form (PDF, opens in a new tab) (PDF) and email it to the Named Person or the Research Integrity Service.
Who is the Named Person?
The Named Person, Dr Catherine Winchester, Head of Research Integrity, is responsible for the oversight and operation of the research misconduct procedure.
How are allegations of research misconduct investigated?
Allegations under the Research Misconduct Policy begin with an Initial Investigation by the Named Person. If a potential breach is identified, a full investigation is conducted by a Panel; decisions are ratified by the Named Person and the Research Integrity Committee. Allegations within other policies are transferred accordingly.
Contact
For all matters relating to research integrity, email the Head of Research Integrity, Dr Catherine Winchester.