Research integrity

Quality, ethics and good governance are firmly embedded in our research ethos and culture. Our commitment to these values are set out in the University's Code of Good Practice in Research. This code:

Helps to ensure that all research is underpinned by the highest standards of rigour and integrity
Gives full guidance on the standards with which we must all comply
Sets out the principles that guide our research – excellence, honesty and integrity, cooperation and openness, accountability, developing skills, ensuring safety, and respect for all involved
Sets out the responsibility of managers to create a sound and supportive research culture
Provides links to external guidance and funders' policies.

The University is a signatory to Universities UK's Concordat to Support Research Integrity which seeks to provide a comprehensive national framework for good research conduct and its governance. The University publishes an annual statement outlining its compliance with the governance requirements mandated by the Concordat. The statement is considered and approved by the University Board for Research & Innovation, the University Senate and the University Council. Download the 2024 annual statement.

The Pro-Vice Chancellors for the Research and Innovation (Professor Parveen Yaqoob and Professor Dominik Zaum) lead on research integrity for the University. The first point of contact for anyone wishing to raise confidential issues about research integrity is Abbe Davy, Head of Quality Assurance in Research. Additionally, the University has a Whistleblowing policy which should be followed by any member of staff who wishes to raise concerns about any suspected wrong-doing or dangers at work.

Research ethics The dignity, rights, safety and wellbeing of participants must be the primary consideration in any research study.

The University’s Research Ethics Committee encourages high standards of ethical behaviour and advises researchers and University heads of school on the ethical implications of proposed research. Heads of school are responsible for having procedures in place within their schools which identify and review all projects that might fall within the committee’s terms of reference. For full guidance see our Research Ethics Committee Notes for Guidance (PDF – 459KB).

All University policies relating to all aspects of legal Compliance, and our Teaching and Learning, Student-related policies, and our Research, as well as the schedule of meetings and committee deadlines are available on our governance policy page.

Responsible use of metrics in research

Bibliometric indicators are widely used in research assessment exercises, recruitment and promotion. It is important that metrics are used responsibly and appropriately, particularly when an individual's research outputs are being examined. The University has formulated a Statement on responsible use of metrics in research which embraces the principles within The Leiden Manifesto for research metrics.

Governance of research

The University’s Board for Research and Innovation, chaired by the Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation, is the primary body which considers issues related to research governance, including research integrity and ethics.