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The University of Sunderland is fully committed to undertaking our research to the highest level of integrity and ethical responsibility. Our staff and students are bound by institutional commitments to the Research Integrity Concordat and the university’s Code of Practice for Research.
This area of the website provides information and advice for the university’s research community and stakeholders on the policies and procedures for governing good research practice and for investigating and reporting misconduct in research.
Research governance ensures that all research, undertaken by both staff and students, is carried out to the highest standards.
All members of the University of Sunderland research community are expected to adhere to the highest professional standards of research integrity.
Research integrity is about honesty and transparency in how you conceive, conduct, and report your research. You want to be fair and accurate in your presentation of interactions with peers, open about any (potential) conflicts of interest within your research and ensure your research participant is protected, maintaining their dignity and rights at all times.
We also operate strict policies and procedures and comply with relevant guidelines.
Researchers are encouraged to report cases of research misconduct and to do so in a responsible and appropriate manner (See Rules for Investigating Misconduct in Academic Research). Individuals seeking advice on research misconduct or matters of research integrity can also contact the Chair of the University’s Research Ethics Committee, Dr Matthew Campbell on 0191 515 2348 or by email: matthew.campbell@sunderland.ac.uk.
Staff and students should be aware that the University has a Whistleblowing Policy that governs any instances of malpractice or impropriety. Under the Whistleblowing policy, disclosures may be made to the Head of Legal Services legal@@sunderland.ac.uk.
The University of Sunderland is a subscriber to the UK Research Integrity Office.
The UK Research Integrity Office (UKRIO) is an independent advisory body, offering support to the public, researchers, and organisations to further good practice in research. A registered charity, it was created in response to longstanding and growing concerns about the reliability of research.
UKRIO is the UK’s most experienced research integrity organisation. Since 2006, it has provided independent and expert support across all disciplines of research, from the arts and humanities to the life sciences. It works to enhance good research practice, address mistakes, questionable practices, and fraud, and improve the culture and systems of UK research.
Research integrity is another name for ‘good research practice’. It’s the conduct of research in ways that promote trust and confidence in all aspects of the research process.
Research integrity covers all research and the whole lifecycle, from the initial idea and design of the project through the conduct of the research and its dissemination. It also covers making sure that environments and systems for research safeguard and enhance good research practice, rather than hinder it – often described as ‘research culture‘.
See the UKRIO website for more information about research integrity.
Education – guidance and support through publications on research practice, training activities, and a comprehensive events programme.
Sharing best practice – clear and honest development for the research community through facilitated discussions about key issues, informing national and international initiatives, and working to improve research culture.
Expert guidance – confidential and expert advice and guidance, as a proactive service for both institutions and individual researchers, as well as in response to requests for assistance.
