ABBRS is committed to achieving excellence in research. The pursuit of excellent research and the fulfilment of our responsibilities to participants in research, research users and the wider community require the maintenance of the highest standards of integrity and ethics. To maintain the high standards of research practice at ABBRS, we commit to uphold the commitments outlined in the international and local guidelines. The information below sets out the principles to which all research and scholarship at ABBRS should adhere and provides guidance on where to seek further advice on specific research integrity issues. ABBRS expects all researchers and collaborators to abide by the national and international standards of research integrity. This includes:
Honesty in all aspects of research, including:
- presentation of research goals, intentions, and findings
- reporting on research methods and procedures
- gathering data
- using and acknowledging the work of other researchers
- conveying valid interpretations and making justifiable claims based on research findings
Trustworthyness caution, thoroughness, and excellence in research practice:
- in performing research and using appropriate methods
- in adhering to an agreed protocol where appropriate
- in drawing interpretations and conclusions from the research
- in communicating the results
Transparency and open communication:
- in declaring conflicts of interest
- in the reporting of research data collection methods
- in the analysis and interpretation of data
- in making research findings widely available, including sharing negative results as appropriate
- in presenting the work to other researchers and to the general public
Care and respect for:
- all participants in and subjects of research, including humans, animals, the environment, and cultural objects
- the stewardship of research and scholarship for future generations.
Accountability through:
- taking personal responsibility for the integrity of one’s own research and empowering other to own the research process
- holding others to account, according to ABBRS policies, where behaviour falls short of the standards set by the ABBRS and the Concordat to Support Research Integrity
In addition to these core principles, researchers should ensure that their research is conducted according to appropriate ethical, legal, and professional frameworks, obligations, and standards.
This includes seeking ethical approval for research where appropriate. Researchers are also expected to treat colleagues with integrity, honesty, and collegiality, including the fair provision of references and peer review.
As part of its commitment to the principles of the Concordat, ABBRS will support researchers to maintain the highest standards of integrity in research by:
- providing clear policies and procedures, as well as training and guidance to help researchers better understand how to maintain high standards of research integrity
- provide appropriate sources of support, advice, and guidance for researchers in need of assistance in relation to ethical, legal and professional obligations and best practice in research
- having suitable mechanisms for reviewing ethical issues raised by research
- using transparent, robust, and fair processes to deal with allegations of research misconduct
- defending researchers who live up to high standards in difficult circumstances and any individual who, in good faith, reports research misconduct at ABBRS
- continuing to work to strengthen the integrity of its research through regular review and monitoring of its support, policies, and procedures.