Research and scientific integrity policy (2018), National Research Council Canada
From The Embassy of Good Science
Cases
Research and scientific integrity policy (2018), National Research Council Canada
What is this about?
The Research and Scientific Integrity Policy (2018), published by the National Research Council Canada, sets out a national framework to strengthen research integrity and responsible conduct across the full research cycle. It emphasises honesty, accountability, stewardship, and professional courtesy, linking these values to credibility, reproducibility, and societal trust. The policy defines responsibilities for researchers, supervisors, institutions, funders, and journals, with clear expectations on authorship, citation, conflict of interest, transparency of data and methods, supervision, and peer review. It establishes fair procedures for addressing misconduct, including definitions, proportional sanctions, and learning opportunities, while aligning Canadian practice with international standards such as the Singapore and Montreal Statements. Education and training are central, ensuring students and staff are equipped with integrity skills. The policy also addresses emerging issues such as open science, data management, and digital tools, and provides practical aids like checklists, reporting templates, and FAQs to support day-to-day implementation. Equity and diversity are embedded as cross-cutting themes, highlighting that inclusive, respectful environments are essential to credible research.
