Research misconduct

The University of Edinburgh Research Misconduct Policy ensures allegations are handled fairly, and in line with the UK Research Integrity Office procedures.

University of Edinburgh Research Misconduct Policy

The University conducts research of the highest standard. It is committed to ensuring that all research is carried out with the utmost rigour and integrity. Research misconduct is an uncommon, but potentially important threat to rigour and integrity.  

Research misconduct refers to behaviours that violate ethical, legal, or professional standards in research. The University of Edinburgh’s Research Misconduct Policy defines misconduct to include, but not be limited to: 

Fabrication, falsification, plagiarism, misrepresentation, breach of duty of care, failure to meet ethical, legal, and professional obligations and improper handling of misconduct allegations. 

This policy aims to ensure that any allegation of research misconduct is handled fairly and in line with the UK Research Integrity Office’s procedure for investigating breaches of research integrity.  

View the University of Edinburgh Policy Directory (Search for "Research Misconduct Policy")

Allegations relating to the research undertaken by University students will be investigated using the Academic Misconduct Investigation Procedure.

Academic Misconduct University of Edinburgh Information webpage

How to report research misconduct

Professor Liz Baggs (Vice Principal Research & Innovation) is the main responsible contact for Research Misconduct. Professor Liz Baggs delegates responsibility for research misconduct in each College.

The University encourages self reporting, which is important in minimising harm to both participants, researchers or the public, minimising risk exposure for the university and improving future practice of the researcher(s).

There is a designated named person in each College responsible for ensuring the integrity of proceedings conducted under this Procedure. Information can be found on the dedicated College Research Misconduct Pages.

College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences - research misconduct webpage

College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine - research misconduct webpage

College of Sciences and Engineering - research misconduct webpage

 

Colleges and Schools at the University of Edinburgh

Russell Group Statement of Cooperation in respect of cross-institutional research misconduct allegations

In circumstances where allegations of research misconduct involve more than one institution, the Russell Group Statement of Cooperation in respect of cross-institutional research misconduct allegations sets out principles for the management of misconduct investigations. 

Russell Group Statement (external website)

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