Research Integrity Annual Narrative Statement: February 2021

The University’s latest Annual Narrative Statement around its work in the area of research integrity has been published on the University’s public Research Governance website, where earlier iterations of the Statements can also be found.

The Statements are made publicly available in order to provide information to all involved in research around the work the University carries out to support and strengthen research integrity, also known as, research good practice, as well as the contact points for any concerns around potential research misconduct. This is in line with the University’s responsibilities as articulated in the Universities UK (UUK) Concordat to Support Research Integrity.

The latest Statement covers the period January 2020-February 2021, and builds extensively on earlier iterations, due to the large amount of activity surrounding work in developing, enhancing and sustaining research good practice. This is particularly significant given the challenges of the pandemic over the last year or so. This was made possible through a number of initiatives which can be found in the Statement, including enhanced and expanded researcher support, via the formation of the Research and Knowledge Exchange Office, the introduction of a new Researcher Development Programme and re-organisation of the University Research Ethics structures.

The University has continued to build on its robust policies, processes, systems and guidance which facilitate research and support researchers in meeting the highest standards. Mentoring and training have been built upon further to continue to develop standards further.Some of the highlights found in the Statement are:

a significant review and revision of the University’s Code of Practice Governing the Ethical Conduct of Research (September 2020) and Code of Research Good Practice (September 2020).
published an updated Intellectual Property Policy (January 2020) and a new Research and Knowledge Exchange Strategy (April 2020)
full compliance with the Human Tissue Authority’s standards, and enhanced resources for researchers carrying out work under the Human Tissue Authority research licence.
formation of the Researcher Development Working Group and retention of the University’s HR Excellence in Research Award.
the Graduate School launched a dedicated Doctoral Researcher Development Programme website.
commenced a benchmarking exercise of existing University research ethics review guidance and procedures.

For further information, please contact the Research Ethics and Integrity Officer, Huzma Kelly, via research-knowledge-exchange-office@westminster.ac.uk