Code of Conduct for Research Integrity (2020), the Royal Irish Academy

What is this about?

The Code of Conduct for Research Integrity (2020), published by the Royal Irish Academy, provides a national framework to guide responsible research practices in Ireland, including for researchers funded by the Academy. It establishes principles of honesty, accountability, professional courtesy, and stewardship, linking them to reproducibility, credibility, and public trust. The code outlines the responsibilities of researchers, supervisors, institutions, funders, and journals, setting standards for good practice in planning, conducting, publishing, and reviewing research. Key provisions address authorship, citation, conflict of interest management, transparency of data and methods, supervision, and peer review. It also defines misconduct, details fair procedures for investigations, and promotes proportional sanctions alongside opportunities for learning. Education and training are embedded to ensure integrity is actively taught, while guidance on open science, data management, and digital tools reflects contemporary challenges. Equity and diversity are emphasised as integral to integrity. By aligning with international standards, the code reinforces comparability, mobility, and global credibility.

Why is this important?

Code of Conduct for Research Integrity distils national expectations for research integrity in Ireland and clarifies what researchers and institutions in Ireland (but also researchers funded by Royal Irish Academy) need to do to comply. It reduces ambiguity, aligns local practice with international norms, and offers actionable steps that improve transparency, reproducibility, and equitable access. For policy leads, it is a benchmark; for authors and administrators, it is a practical checklist. Published by The Royal Irish Academy in 2020, it is a credible reference to cite in institutional policies, training, and grant documentation.

For whom is this important?

Funding agenciesPolicy makersResearch institutionsResearchers

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