Concordat to support research integrity

The Concordat to Support Research Integrity was updated in 2025 following a sector-wide consultation and published on 4 April 2025. Developed and supported by the Research Integrity Concordat Signatories—including government departments and public bodies, UK and charitable research funders, sector and representative bodies, and national academies—the Concordat provides a national framework for good research conduct and governance. It sets out five core commitments for all those involved in research and is overseen by the UK Committee on Research Integrity (UKCORI), which supports implementation and provides national monitoring and reporting to ensure that UK research is conducted to the highest standards of rigour, transparency and integrity.:

• Commitment 1:  Maintaining the highest standards of research integrity - the principles

Responsible research practice is grounded in high standards of integrity in all aspects and fields of research, from ideation through to publication and public engagement. The UK recognises five key principles necessary to maintain the highest standards of research integrity.

• Commitment 2:  Maintaining the highest standards of research integrity – expectations and compliance

Research should be conducted according to appropriate ethical, legal, regulatory, and professional frameworks, obligations, and standards.

• Commitment 3:  Embedding a culture of research integrity

Creating the conditions, grounded in the principles of research integrity, for individuals and organisations to engage in research responsibly supports the maturing of a positive research culture and environment. 

• Commitment 4:   Questionable research practices and potential research misconduct

 The quality of the research environment and robustness of the research record also depend on the effective management of questionable research practices when they occur. This requires a commitment to continuous reflection, learning, and improvement to support the research system to drive positive change.

• Commitment 5:  Accountability and continuous improvement in research integrity
• Upholding, rewarding, and continuously improving responsible research practice is a collective endeavour.

The University of Dundee fully supports the commitments set out in the Concordat and recognises that its high-level aspirations provide an excellent framework for reviewing and, where necessary, strengthening the University’s policies and procedures in support of research integrity.

A Standing Working Group for Research Governance and Policy has been established to horizon scan emerging developments and risks, and to develop new and updated research integrity–related policies as required. The Working Group reports directly to the University Research & Innovation Committee (URIC).

Reporting

Since 2011, the University has provided an annual report on its activities to the University Court which, from academic year 2012/13, has included a statement on any formal investigations of research misconduct that have been undertaken.

Acknowledgements and Bibliography

• The Concordat to Support Research Integrity
• UKRIO Code of Practice for Research, UK Research Integrity Office 2025, Code of Practice for Research