Interventions promoting research integrity
ThemesInterventions promoting research integrity
What is this about?
Ever since research integrity (RI) emerged as a field in science and research, many interventions have been conducted in an effort to foster good research practices and build public trust in science. Today, these interventions are formed as codes, guidelines, recommendations, training sessions and workshops [1]. Conducted by various institutions, including research performing and research funding institutions, as well as journals and governmental bodies, the interventions for the promotion of RI are helping researchers to adhere to RI practices.
- ↑ Marusic A, Wager E, Utrobicic A, Rothstein HR, Sambunjak D. Interventions to prevent misconduct and promote integrity in research and publication. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016(4);MR000038.
Why is this important?
The development of interventions for the promotion of research integrity has several aims. First, the interventions help in training and educating young researchers and students in how to adhere to ethical research practices so that they can contribute to the honest and open research culture. But interventions are not only for young researchers, they are also a valuable tool for senior researchers when it comes to supervising or teaching about research integrity. Interventions help researchers recognize bad research practices, but they also help institutions in guidance when dealing with cases of misconduct. Their impact and development are not limited to research performing organizations only. Some journals and funders have recognized the importance of building a research integrity culture and conducting interventions for research integrity promotion [1].
- ↑ Steneck NH. Fostering integrity in research: Definitions, current knowledge, and future directions. Sci Eng Ethics. 2006;12(1):53-74.
For whom is this important?
What are the best practices?
In the United States, the Office for Research Integrity (ORI) is developing policies, procedures, and regulations related to the responsible conduct of research and research misconduct. Moreover, ORI develops activities and programs aimed to promote research integrity and foster good research practices.
In Europe, the Luxembourg Agency for Research Integrity and Austrian Agency for Research Integrity are good examples of institutions providing all kind of resources for the promotion of research integrity. These institutions have developed guidelines and recommendations that are implemented by research institutions in their countries. Moreover, they offer training and workshops for researchers in different stages of their career and deal with cases of research misconduct.The Embassy Editorial team, Iris Lechner, Natalie Evans, Andrijana Perković Paloš, Peter Kakuk, Rea Ščepanović contributed to this theme. Latest contribution was Oct 22, 2021
