UCD commits to 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. We have developed a (opens in a new window)Code of Responsible Conduct of Research, which collates all of the UCD policies that govern the research process and which collectively support an environment of responsible conduct of research.
Research Culture
“Research Culture” encompasses the way we do our research, our behaviours and attitudes to each other in our work, how we value the contributions of others involved in our research and how our research is communicated. UCD’s Research Strategy 2021-2024 signals actions to assess and optimise Research Culture across our organisation. To this end, we are running an 18-month pilot Research Culture Initiative to reinforce a positive research culture in UCD, one that supports an innovative and creative research environment in which excellent research is carried out with integrity. We want the full range of activities that characterise high quality research to be recognised and rewarded. Further details of our activities can be found on the Research Culture website.
Responsible Conduct of Research Committee (RCRC)
In 2020, we established a Responsible Conduct of Research Committee (RCRC) with the purpose of promoting an ethos of responsible conduct of research, research integrity and to advise on relevant supports and training required for UCD Researchers across all disciplines. The RCRC comprises one representative from each College, as well as from the Ethics Committee, Students Union and Research Staff Association. This Committee is convened four times per year, works to an Annual Workplan and reports to the UMT RIIG.
Click here to view Responsible Conduct of Research Committee (RCRC) Members.
Research Integrity Champions
We established a network of local Research Integrity Champions in each School who liaise with their respective RCRC member and with the Research Integrity Office as appropriate. The Role of the RI Champions is to:
- Promote Responsible Conduct of Research within the context of their disciplinary area
- Advise on the appropriateness of Research Integrity supports and training provided by UCD for researchers in their particular domain
- Act as a point of local contact and advice for researchers on any matter relevant to RI, and in referring them to the Research Integrity Office, as required
- Suggest what additional supports for Research Integrity/Responsible Conduct of Research are required at University, College and School level
- Serve on their College RCRC (as a sub-committee of the College RIIG)
Click here to view the Research Integrity Champions in your School.
Interactive Training in Responsible Conduct of Research
We have begun to offer whole team/group training opportunities in Responsible Conduct of Research. These are interactive workshops, designed to accommodate any research team or group of researchers. We will work with you to design a workshop appropriate for your group and discipline. Benefits include the opportunity to discuss responsible conduct of research, and research culture, improving communication with group/team members. Contact us if you would like to consider a workshop.