Research Integrity
We are committed to achieving the highest standards of excellence and integrity in our research

What is research integrity?

Research integrity refers to all of the factors that underpin good research practice and promote trust and confidence in the research process. Research integrity covers all disciplines of research and all sectors where research is carried out.

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‘.

Rothamsted Research has a responsibility to ensure that the funds it disburses are properly spent, in accordance with the law, funder requirements and in the public interest. Researchers have a duty to their profession, to the institute and to research funders, to conduct their research according to best scientific practice and the highest professional standards.

We expect all researchers, be they staff, students or visitors, to abide by national, European, and international professional standards of research integrity. This includes:

Honesty and fairness in:

  • Reporting on research methods and procedures
  • Presentation of research goals, intentions, and findings
  • Gathering data
  • Conveying valid interpretations and making justifiable claims based on research findings
  • Use and acknowledgement of the work of other researchers

Accuracy and rigour in:

  • Conducting research and using appropriate methods
  • Adhering to an agreed protocol where appropriate
  • Record keeping of primary data
  • Communicating the results
  • Drawing interpretations and conclusions from the research

Openness and Transparency in:

  • Making research findings widely available, including sharing negative results as appropriate
  • Presenting the work to other researchers and to the general public
  • Declaring conflicts of interest beyond their own scientific integrity
  • The reporting of research data collection methods
  • The analysis and interpretation of data
  • Accountability for actions

Independence in:

  • Conducting research in keeping with academic freedom, regardless of funder of the research

Respect for:

  • The independence of other colleagues and team members
  • All participants in and subjects of research, including humans, animals, the environment, and cultural objects
  • The stewardship of research and scholarship for future generations

Cooperation and collegiality in scientific interactions

Our researchers are supported to uphold these core principles through the institute’s positive action to:

  • Provide clear policies and procedures, and where necessary, training and guidance on research integrity
  • Undertake a regular internal oversight process
  • Ensure there are suitable mechanisms for reviewing ethical issues raised by research
  • Use transparent, robust, and fair processes to deal with allegations of research misconduct
  • Reasonably defend researchers who abide by high standards, and any individual who reports misconduct

Rothamsted also subscribes to the UK Research Integrity Office (UKRIO) ; UKRIO is a registered charity acting as an independent advisory body offering support to the public, researchers, and organisations to further good practice in research. Since 2006, UKRIO has provided independent and expert support across all disciplines of research. It works to enhance good research practice, address mistakes, questionable practices, and fraud, and improve the culture and systems of UK research.

Points of Contact

For information related to Scientific Research Integrity or Research Ethics related to Research conducted by Rothamsted Research contact:

  • Professor Frederica Theodoulou – Chair of Rothamsted Research Integrity and Research Ethics Governance Committee RIC@rothamsted.ac.uk

To raise any concerns related to Research Integrity or Research Ethics in relation to Rothamsted Research scientific Research, contact in confidence:

Read our full Scientific Integrity Statement here.

Read our Research Integrity and Research Ethics Policy here.

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