Position statement of the UKRIO: Statutory regulation of research integrity
From The Embassy of Good Science
ResourcesGuidelines
Position statement of the UKRIO: Statutory regulation of research integrity
What is this about?
Currently, research in most countries is governed by self-regulation rather than by external regulatory bodies. Over the years, several debates have arisen regarding this model of regulation. There are also wide variations in who oversees self-regulation, based on the the research area and the location of the research. For instance, research involving human subjects is much more tightly regulated than non-human research.
This position paper gives an overview of the different models of research regulation and governance, with special focus on the UK context. This is useful for all stakeholders, but especially for research institutions, to know the extent and limits of self-regulation.Why is this important?
While some feel that statutory regulation of scientific research is necessary, this is not the current norm in the UK (and in most other countries). Moreover, to regulate the diverse research performing organizations and various lines of research under a single statutory framework would be impractical. Therefore, it falls upon the institutional authorities and employers to ensure research integrity in most cases. Hence, it is important that they are aware, not only of their responsibilities but also of the existing structures of research governance.
For whom is this important?
What are the best practices?
- The pros and cons of self-regulation and statutory regulation
- Who oversees self-regulation?
