Research integrity
Good research practices are based on fundamental principles of research integrity. They guide researchers in their work as well as in their engagement with the practical, ethical and intellectual challenges inherent in research. These principles are:
- reliability in ensuring the quality of research, reflected in the design, the methodology, the analysis and the use of resources
- honesty in developing, undertaking, reviewing, reporting and communicating research in a transparent, fair, full and unbiased way
- respect for colleagues, research participants, society, ecosystems, cultural heritage and the environment
- accountability for the research from idea to publication, for its management and organization, for training, supervision and mentoring, and for its wider impacts
Examples of research misconduct are:
- fabrication, i.e. making up results and recording them as if they were real
- falsification, i.e. manipulating research materials, equipment or processes or changing, omitting or suppressing data or results without justification
- plagiarism, i.e. using other people’s work and ideas without giving proper credit to the original source, thus violating the rights of the original author(s) to their intellectual outputs
DELoS people (i.e., both faculty and PhD students) must avoid any form of research misconduct. Any plagiarism or improper use of intellectual work is even more serious if it results from negligence or abuse of a hierarchical or academic position. With particular regard to the drafting of dissertation and written work, as well as in the performance of the exams, it is the specific responsibility of the individual university member to respect these rules and avoid all forms of plagiarism and dishonest conduct. It is also the responsibility of each university member to report any case of plagiarism or improper use of another's intellectual work of which he or she becomes aware.
Useful resources for research integrity are the following:
Last update
29.06.2022