THE CONCORDAT TO SUPPORT RESEARCH INTEGRITY (2019), Universities UK
From The Embassy of Good Science
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THE CONCORDAT TO SUPPORT RESEARCH INTEGRITY (2019), Universities UK
What is this about?
The Concordat to Support Research Integrity (2019), authored by Universities UK, is a national framework that promotes responsible research practices for UK and UK-funded research. It formalises principles of honesty, accountability, professional courtesy, and stewardship, linking them to reproducibility, credibility, and public trust. The Concordat outlines the responsibilities of researchers, institutions, funders, and journals, setting expectations for good practice in planning, conducting, publishing, and reviewing research. Key provisions include clear authorship rules, accurate citation, conflict-of-interest management, data transparency, responsible supervision, and fair peer review. It also defines misconduct, establishes procedures for investigations, and ensures sanctions are proportionate while encouraging learning. By aligning with international standards, it reinforces global comparability and researcher mobility. The framework highlights education, requiring training for staff and students on integrity as a core skill, while also addressing contemporary issues like data management, digital tools, open science, and new dissemination methods. Practical tools such as checklists, codes of behaviour, and reporting templates support implementation. Emphasising equity and diversity, it promotes inclusive, discrimination-free environments. Overall, the Concordat frames integrity as both an individual duty and an institutional responsibility across the full research cycle.
