Toolbox for Research Integrity

Related Initiative

What is this about?

The User’s Guide for the SOPs4RI Toolbox provides research institutions and funding organizations with a structured framework for implementing research-integrity practices aligned with the European Code of Conduct for Research Integrity. The Toolbox comprises 131 “Tools” (guidelines) grouped by thematic Topics relevant to integrity (e.g., supervision, research data, publication, authorship). The Guide introduces a “Research Integrity Promotion Plan” (RIPP) template, and walks users through seven steps to enact a RIPP choosing relevant Tools, integrating them into organizational processes, and monitoring their implementation. The document emphasizes both institutional and funder perspectives: by clicking different access paths users can tailor their approach depending on whether the organization is a research institution or a funding body. The Guide is part of a Horizon 2020 project (Grant No 824481) and aims to help turn high-level integrity principles into concrete policies and procedures.

Why is this important?

This Guide is important because many organisations struggle to operationalise integrity-codes: having principles is one thing, embedding them in day-to-day processes is another. The Toolbox and RIPP framework bridge that gap by offering actionable guidelines and templates. For research institutions and funders, this means stronger prevention of misconduct, clearer accountability, and a culture where integrity is built rather than assumed. Given the increasing societal demand for trustworthy research and transparency, implementing such structured tools contributes significantly to credibility, reproducibility, and ethical practice in research.

For whom is this important?

Ethics Committees and Research InstitutionsAcademic institutionsResearch funders and funding agenciesAcademic leaders (deans, department heads)Policymakers

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