Research findings are used to inform public policy, develop new treatments for human and animal disease and also to inform future research. This is why it is important that during your time in Cambridge you are committed to conduct research of the highest standard. The University recognises its responsibility to the wider community to ensure the highest standards of integrity and professionalism and for that purpose it provides guidelines for good practices in research across all disciplines. 

The University has a number of policies that relate to research integrity issues. These include:

• Guidelines on Good Research Practice
• Policy on the Ethics of Research Involving Human Participants and Personal Data (pdf document)
• Misconduct in Research Policy
• Policy on the use of Animals in Research and Teaching
• University Financial Regulations
• ‘Whistleblowing’ Policy
• Policy Against Bribery and Corruption
• Export Control

If you have any comment, concern or question regarding research integrity at the University of Cambridge, you are welcome to contact the Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research through the Research Strategy Office. Yearly reports are available on how research integrity is promoted across the University and how allegations of misconduct in research have been assessed and investigated.

Since 2006, the UKRIO has provided independent, expert and confidential support across all disciplines of research, from the arts and humanities to the life sciences. As an advisory body, its role is to help UK institutions achieve high standards when they have to manage challenges to research integrity and support individuals faced with bad practice.

Developed by the UKRIO in 2009, the Code of Practice for Research is an essential reference tool to support researchers and research organisations in the conduct of research of the highest quality and standards. The Code is freely available online and can be used to assist researchers and organisations in fulfilling the requirements of regulatory, funding and other bodies and ensure that important issues have not been overlooked.

It is very important to remember that when you start your PhD in Cambridge, it is your responsibility to ensure you understand and comply with the regulations of the University.

The University of Cambridge's internal guidelines on research practices can be found in the Code of Practice, which was created to support PhD students during their doctoral research. It includes sections on what is expected of you as a research student, and what you can expect of your Principal Supervisor and your Advisor. Supplementary information specific to your Faculty or Department will be provided during your induction. 

In addition to the Code of Practice set out by the University, PhD students that are funded by institutional sponsors (i.e. MRC, UKRI, Wellcome Trust etc..) should be aware of codes of conduct or other types of requirements developed by individual funders. If your PhD is fully funded by a sponsor, information on these requirements can usually be found in your induction material and starter handbook. If in doubt, it is a good idea to contact your Department or Faculty to ask for further information. 

Image credits

CC0 by Prateek Katyal via Unsplash