Danish Code of Conduct for Research Integrity (2014), Ministry of Higher Education and Science

What is this about?

The Danish Code of Conduct for Research Integrity (2014), authored by the Ministry of Higher Education and Science, is a national framework written in Danish that sets principles for responsible research in Denmark. It emphasises honesty, accountability, professional courtesy, and stewardship of resources, linking these values to reproducibility, credibility, and societal trust. The Code outlines responsibilities for researchers, institutions, funders, and journals, covering good practice in planning, conducting, publishing, and reviewing research. Key provisions include clear authorship criteria, proper citation, conflict-of-interest management, transparency of methods and data, responsible supervision, and fair peer review. It also defines misconduct, establishes procedures for investigations with due process and proportional sanctions, and encourages learning from breaches. Education and training are central to ensure integrity is a core skill, while guidance on data management, digital tools, open science, and new dissemination methods supports modern research workflows. Practical tools such as checklists, codes of conduct, reporting templates, and FAQs help implement principles in daily practice. Equity and diversity are cross-cutting themes, promoting inclusive, discrimination-free environments. The Code is intended for researchers, supervisors, institutions, and policymakers in Denmark, making it particularly important for researchers and institutions operating under Danish jurisdiction, providing clarity, reducing ambiguity, and aligning national practices with international standards.

For whom is this important?

ResearchersResearch institutionsJournal publishersPolicy makers

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