Research integrity

Our commitment to responsible research

The University of Oxford expects all staff engaged in or supporting research to uphold the highest standards of integrity, as set out in the University Research Integrity Policy. Maintaining integrity in research protects participants, colleagues, collaborators, the University, and the wider public.

The University takes all concerns about research integrity seriously and is committed to ensuring that they are handled fairly, transparently and proportionately, in accordance with the University Procedure for Addressing Potential Breaches of Research Integrity.

The Policy and Procedure constitute the University’s framework for implementing its commitments under the Concordat to Support Research Integrity.

What research integrity means at Oxford

Conducting research with integrity is about doing research in a way that is open, honest and impactful. The University’s policy is built around the following principles:

Honesty in designing, conducting and reporting research
Rigour in methods, analysis and record-keeping
Transparency wherever possible in data, methods and decisions
Care and respect for participants, colleagues, animals and the environment
Collaboration to ensure an inclusive, respectful culture
Trust in our relationships with partners, collaborators, participants and the public
Accountability for the quality and reliability of research

These principles apply to everyone involved in research at Oxford.

Understanding potential breaches of research integrity

A breach of research integrity occurs when an action or omission fails to meet the expectations set out in the Policy. Examples include:

fabrication, falsification and misrepresentation of data, results, methods, sources or findings
misappropriation, plagiarism and misuse of others’ work
breaches of legal, ethical and professional standards
inappropriate authorship practices
failure to declare or manage conflicts of interest
improper conduct during peer review
collusion in or concealment of breaches of research integrity by others
improper handling of research integrity breaches or concerns

The Policy also recognises Questionable Research Practices (QRPs), which may arise from outdated, inconsistent or insufficiently rigorous practices. QRPs do not always amount to breaches, and may often be addressed through training, mentoring and other development activities. Genuine mistakes and legitimate differences in interpretation are not treated as breaches.

Working with funders, partners and publishers

Oxford works closely with funders, journals and partner institutions to ensure that concerns are handled responsibly. Funders expect early notification of concerns about research they have supported, and the University works closely to these requirements. Where concerns involve more than one institution, Oxford follows the Russell Group Statement of Cooperation in Respect of Cross-Institutional Research Misconduct Concerns to ensure a coordinated and fair approach.

Raising a concern or seeking advice

We encourage an open culture where questions can be raised early and constructively.
Oxford staff and students can seek advice from:

Supervisors and mentors
Directors of Graduate Studies
Heads of Department, Faculty or Division
University Proctors (for concerns involving students)
Research Services
Oxford University Students Union

Anyone (including external organisations and individuals) wishing to raise a concern in confidence are invited to contact:

Kate Dunbar, Research Policy Manager (Integrity)
Research Services
[email protected]

Formal concerns about research integrity should be made in writing to the Registrar, in line with the Procedure.

Research integrity training and development

Oxford provides a range of training to help researchers comply with good research practices. Research integrity training (SSO) is mandatory for all staff and research students (including postgraduate research and DPhil students) engaged in research activity at least every three years.

Annual research integrity statement

Each year, the University publishes an annual Research Integrity Statement, approved by Research and Innovation Committee, to provide an overview of how research integrity is supported at Oxford, training and development activity, and anonymised information about concerns raised and how these have been addressed. All previous annual statements are available below.

Annual statements (PDFs)

Governance and committees

Research policies and guidance ensure that research is undertaken in compliance with regulatory and funder requirements, protecting the researcher and the University while also supporting research excellence and enhancing research culture. Research and Innovation Committee is the University’s highest governance body for research, setting institutional research strategy and monitoring its implementation.

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