Research Ethics and Integrity by Sean Lacey

Research ethics and research integrity encompass the principles and practices that underpin responsible research and innovation. They are intrinsic to all research activity and fundamental to achieving research excellence. More than a regulatory requirement, they lie at the core of research itself—supporting trust among researchers, confidence in the research record, and, crucially, society’s trust in research evidence and expertise.

Maintaining high standards in research ethics and integrity requires both personal commitment and professional competence.

This training focused on encouraging reflection on personal attitudes and behaviours in research, alongside promoting awareness of, and alignment with, The Munster Statement on the Principles of Research Ethics and Research Integrity.

Exercises included:

• The Dilemma Game: This exercise supported participants in identifying key principles, values, and potential misconduct in research It provided a structured framework to analyse realistic dilemmas, consider alternative courses of action, and articulate and defend decisions.
• Virtues and Norms: This exercise explored how ethical virtues can be translated into practical Participants examined research integrity dilemmas from multiple perspectives and engaged in dialogue to connect personal values with professional norms.