Montreal Statement on Research Integrity in Cross-Boundary Research Collaborations (2013), WCRI

What is this about?

The Montreal Statement on Research Integrity in Cross-Boundary Research Collaborations (2013), authored by the World Conference on Research Integrity (WCRI), is an international framework that sets principles for responsible conduct in global, cross-border research. Written in English and targeting a worldwide audience, it emphasises honesty, accountability, professional courtesy, and stewardship, linking these values to reproducibility, credibility, and trust in research. The Statement addresses responsibilities of researchers, institutions, funders, and journals, including clear authorship rules, proper citation, management of conflicts of interest, transparency of data and methods, responsible supervision, and fair peer review. It provides guidance for handling breaches of integrity with due process and proportional sanctions, while promoting education and training so that integrity becomes a core skill. A particular focus is placed on challenges in international collaboration, such as cultural differences, varying legal frameworks, and equitable participation of all partners. It promotes alignment with international standards to facilitate researcher mobility and comparability of practices, while encouraging inclusive, non-discriminatory environments. Practical tools like checklists, codes of conduct, and reporting templates help translate principles into daily action. The intended audience spans researchers, supervisors, institutions, policymakers, and funders, but it is especially important for international research teams and institutions engaged in cross-boundary collaborations, as it clarifies expectations, reduces ambiguity, and supports fair, transparent, and accountable partnerships worldwide.

For whom is this important?

All stakeholders in research

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