Commitments and principles of research integrity

The Institute is committed to achieving excellence in all aspects of its research.

We work to support our staff by having a robust and integrated infrastructure to maintain the highest standards of research integrity. We recognise that that only through good governance, Institute-wide coordination, training, support and recognition can we embed and achieve good practice in research.

The Institute aligns its research integrity practices with the principles and standards set out in the UK Research Integrity Office's Code of Practice for Research. We support the observation of the Code’s seven principles to encourage everyone involved in research to consider the wider consequences of their work and to engage critically with the practical, ethical and intellectual challenges that are inherent in the conduct of high-quality research.

This code of practice complements additional guidance on research conduct, as set out by the UK Concordat to Support Research Integrity (more details below). Additionally known as the Research Integrity Concordat, it aims to provide a national framework for good research conduct and its governance. As a signatory to the concordat, the Institute commits to:

  • upholding the highest standards of rigour and integrity in all aspects of research.
  • ensuring that research is conducted according to appropriate ethical, legal and professional frameworks, obligations and standards.
  • supporting a research environment that is underpinned by a culture of integrity and based on good governance, best practice, and support for the development of researchers.
  • using transparent, timely, robust and fair processes to deal with allegations of research misconduct should they arise.
  • working with other signatories to strengthen the integrity of research and to review progress regularly and openly.

Principle: Excellence

Excellence in the Institute’s research sits across the Institute’s three values: doing rigorous and robust science to advance knowledge and deliver benefit. The Institute and its researchers strive for excellence when conducting research and aim to produce and disseminate work of the highest quality.

Principle: Honesty

The Institute works to create and maintain a culture of research that fosters and supports honesty in research, recognising also that this connects into the Institute values of benefit and innovation. Researchers will be honest in relation to their own research and that of others. They will do their utmost to ensure the accuracy of data and results, acknowledge the contributions of others, and neither engage in misconduct nor conceal it.

Principle: Responsibility and integrity in research

The Institute and its researchers will comply with all legal and ethical requirements relevant to their field of study. They will declare any potential or actual conflicts of interest relating to research and, where necessary, take steps to resolve them. The Institute’s definition of its Integrity value includes an expectation to uphold all standards expected of us, operating with honesty and responsibility.

Principle: Co-operation

The Institute and its researchers promote the open exchange of ideas, research methods, data and results and their discussion, scrutiny and debate, subject to any considerations of confidentiality.

Principle: Accountability

The Institute and its researchers recognise that in and through their work they are ultimately accountable to the general public and will act accordingly. They will ensure that any research undertaken complies with any agreements, terms and conditions relating to the project, and allows for proper governance and transparency. Researchers will follow the requirements and guidance of any professional bodies in their field of research. Researchers who are members of a regulated profession will follow the requirements and guidance of the body regulating their profession.

Principle: Training and skills development/acquisition

The Institute is committed to personal development and with respect to those in research roles, provides training and opportunities for development and the necessary resources to enable them to conduct research to the required standards. Our training for researchers includes vital skills in scientific ethics and data analysis.

Principle: Safety

The Institute and its researchers will ensure the dignity, rights, safety and wellbeing of all involved in research and avoid unreasonable risk or harm to research subjects, patients, participants, researchers and others. They will report and address any concerns relating to the dignity, rights, safety and well-being of those involved in research. Research will be initiated and continued only if the anticipated benefits justify the risks involved.

The UK Concordat to Support Research Integrity

Additionally known as the Research Integrity Concordat, the UK Concordat to Support Research Integrity aims to provide a national framework for good research conduct and its governance. UKRI is a signatory to the Concordat, and as an institute strategically funded by UKRI we commit to:

  • upholding the highest standards of rigour and integrity in all aspects of research.
  • ensuring that research is conducted according to appropriate ethical, legal and professional frameworks, obligations and standards.
  • supporting a research environment that is underpinned by a culture of integrity and based on good governance, best practice, and support for the development of researchers.
  • using transparent, timely, robust and fair processes to deal with allegations of research misconduct should they arise.
  • working with other signatories to strengthen the integrity of research and to review progress regularly and openly.

The Institute’s Research Integrity Policy sets out the expected standards for the Institute and its researchers across key areas of good practice. We also follow UKRI’s expectations of good research practices and conduct as set out in the UKRI Policy on the Governance of Good Research Practice.

Research integrity assurance

The Institute’s Executive Committee (Babraham Executive Committee - BEC) has responsibility for ensuring the overall quality and integrity of research conducted at the Institute. The Institute’s quality assurance systems are regularly monitored by a programme of internal and external audits.