Appropriate practice in research
- Vitae Researcher Development Framework 2010
descriptor C1.7 - Vitae RDF 2025 3.7
Appropriate practice in research
Maintaining integrity in research is essential for advancing knowledge, building trust, and upholding the reputation of researchers and their disciplines.
This guide explores why integrity matters, the potential consequences of malpractice, and practical steps researchers can take to ensure appropriate practice.
What is it?
Professional environments that foster openness and discussion encourage integrity. In contrast, environments where colleagues act secretively or without consultation can suppress integrity and create challenges for maintaining high standards.
Environments that support integrity:
- Promote openness and constructive dialogue.
- Address professional difficulties through peer groups and networks.
- Encourage the reporting of malpractice and protect those who come forward.
Codes of conduct
Most institutions and professional bodies establish codes of conduct to define expected behaviours, providing both guidance and a basis for addressing misconduct. These codes help uphold standards and ensure that instances of malpractice are appropriately managed.
Why is it important?
Research integrity underpins trust in research outputs. Even minor infractions, if widespread, can undermine the reliability of research and the health of entire disciplines over time.
The most serious forms of misconduct include:
- Fabrication: Creating false data or results from experiments or studies that were never conducted.
- Falsification: Manipulating data, such as altering graphs or images, to misrepresent findings.
- Plagiarism: Using another’s work without proper acknowledgment or passing it off as your own.
The impact of misconduct
Other serious misconduct includes circumventing ethical reviews or sabotaging the work of peers to gain a competitive advantage. In extreme cases, particularly in clinical or biomedical research, malpractice has led to significant harm, including death or injury.
The broader impacts:
- Compromised research records weaken the foundation for future research.
- Misconduct undermines public trust and the credibility of research disciplines.
- Researchers themselves suffer long-term damage to their reputations.
Familiarise yourself with expected standards
- Understand the codes of conduct set by your institution or professional body.
- Take advantage of training and development opportunities on research conduct.
Report malpractice
- Stay alert to questionable practices such as negligence or carelessness.
- Know the appropriate channels for reporting serious misconduct and seek advice from trusted colleagues.
Be vigilant in your own practice
- Regularly review and correct your work to maintain accuracy.
- Avoid cutting corners, especially under time pressure, as this increases the risk of errors or malpractice.
- Lead by example, demonstrating high standards for peers and collaborators.
Checklist for professional conduct in research
Professionalism is more than just a skillset—it’s a mindset. Use this checklist to ensure your actions reflect professionalism in every aspect of your research.
Cultivate the mindset
- Approach your work with reliability, optimism, and problem-solving enthusiasm.
- Strive to maintain a positive attitude, even in challenging situations.
Adhere to professional requirements
- Familiarise yourself with and follow guidelines on ethics, health and safety, legal regulations, intellectual property rights (IPR), and copyright.
- Stay informed about the expectations within your research field.
Be prepared
- Prepare thoroughly for meetings, whether with supervisors, collaborators, or mentors.
- Arrive on time and bring any required materials or updates.
Commit to excellence
- Deliver work that reflects competence and attention to detail.
- Avoid shortcuts, even under pressure—quality should always come first.
- Push yourself to go beyond mediocrity and aim for impactful results.
Show respect to earn respect
- Build trust by listening actively and meeting expectations consistently.
- Respect diverse perspectives and foster open communication.
- Remember: listening is about understanding, not just waiting for your turn to speak.
Be a team player
- Support colleagues and share knowledge generously; mentoring can be a rewarding way to give back.
- Respect confidentiality and handle sensitive issues discreetly.
- Acknowledge the contributions of others and celebrate shared successes.
Take responsibility
- Own up to mistakes promptly, analyse what went wrong, and implement strategies to avoid recurrence.
- Communicate transparently about delays or issues, seeking solutions proactively.
Key takeaways
- By fostering a culture of integrity and maintaining high standards, researchers can contribute to a robust and trustworthy research environment that benefits all.