UWE Bristol Code of Good Research Conduct

This Code of Conduct sets out the University’s requirements and guidance in relation to good research conduct and practice. This Code is version 2 (December 2022), and incorporates the requirements of the Concordat to Support Research Integrity (Universities UK, 2019).

The Code applies to researchers conducting research at, or under the auspices of, UWE Bristol. This includes academic staff, professional service staff, and students conducting research as part of any programme. Visiting researchers and students are also covered by the relevant provisions of the Code. In the case of student research, both students and Directors of Studies (DoS) for research degrees, or the Student Research Supervisor for taught degrees, have responsibilities in relation to the conduct of the research (see 5.3.3 below). More detailed information about research role definitions is included at Annex 1.

This section introduces the Concordat to Support Research Integrity (see Annex 2) and defines what is meant by integrity, good research conduct and good research practice at UWE Bristol, and why this is important.

Good research conduct (PDF)

This section outlines the funder requirements that UWE Bristol must comply with, including those set out in the Concordat to Support Research Integrity (with key requirements given in Annex 2) and the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Policy and Guidelines on Good Research Conduct. Examples of other funder requirements are also given in the associated Annex 3 (see below).

Funder and partner requirements upon UWE Bristol and its researchers (PDF)

This section outlines the research governance structure at UWE Bristol and explains where responsibility for research governance lies, from overall responsibility for research governance at UWE Bristol, down to responsibility at research project level.

Leadership and embedding a culture of research integrity (PDF)

This section outlines the expectations at UWE Bristol with regards to competencies of staff involved in research, and who is responsible for ensuring that training needs are met. UWE Bristol’s expectations of students with regards to good research practice are also explained, along with the expectations and responsibilities of those supervising student research.

Training and support (PDF)

UWE Bristol is committed to promoting high ethical standards in the conduct of research undertaken by its staff and students. This section provides a brief overview of the research ethics policy and procedures at UWE Bristol, with links to further information for both human and animal ethics procedures and requirements.

Research ethics (PDF)

This section provides a brief introduction to research data management, outlines the UWE Bristol requirements in relation to management of research data, including requirements for research Data Management Plans, and links to further guidance on managing research data and on data protection and data security at UWE Bristol.

Research data management (PDF)

UWE Bristol is committed to achieving impact through high-quality research and this section focuses on good practice in the publication of the results of research and knowledge exchange activities at UWE Bristol. Guidance is given on defining authorship, acknowledging contributions and funding, and compliance with Open Access and Open Research Data requirements.

Communicating the outcomes of research (PDF)

This section summarises the responsibilities and procedures at UWE Bristol when applying for external funding for research. Examples are given where UWE Bristol Project Managers may wish to seek further governance guidance before applying for external funding (e.g. research with vulnerable groups, clinical trials, research that includes a significant international dimension with research governance implications). UWE Bristol guidance on acceptable sources of funding is also given.

Responsibility for submission of research applications to external funders (PDF)

The University applies the same standards of good research practice to research which is funded as part of the University’s own internally managed research funding, or as part of personal research and scholarship, or research conducted to inform the University’s operations. The governance structure and responsibilities for internally funded research are the same as for externally funded research.

The University recognises that peer review is an integral part of the system of assurance of good research practice in the UK. As such, UWE Bristol encourages its staff researchers to take part in internal and external peer review activities. More detailed guidance can be found in Annex 4 (see below). The University has set in place an internal peer review college, and it is the expectation that researchers will make use of this resource where internal peer review is a funder requirement, and are encouraged to do so for other research proposals.

This section outlines UWE Bristol’s expectations in declaring conflicts of interest which may affect researchers and their research.

Conflicts of interest (PDF)

This section outlines UWE Bristol’s expectations with regards to the management of health and safety in research. Information is provided on conducting risk assessments and accessing appropriate training, and further guidance is given in associated Annex 5 (see below).

Health and safety (PDF)

The University requires researchers to be open and honest in all financial and commercial matters relating to research and its funding.

Financial probity (PDF)

The University strongly welcomes collaborative arrangements with partners and acknowledges that almost all research activity will involve some form of intellectual property. This section provides an overview of UWE Bristol’s Intellectual Property Policy and Procedures as a basis for supporting mutually beneficial collaborations.

Intellectual property (PDF)

It is essential that appropriate insurances are in place for any research activity being undertaken. This section gives guidance on the insurance cover provided as standard by UWE Bristol, and outlines areas where additional insurance cover made be needed.

Insurance, liability and negligence (PDF)

Researchers must operate within the law and regulation, and must have up to date knowledge in this respect. While it is not possible to list all of the laws or regulations that may apply to research, further details about key legal frameworks are given in the associated Annex 6 (see below).

Legal and regulatory frameworks (PDF)

The University is committed to supporting, developing and promoting equality and diversity in all of its practices. Further details are given in this section.

Equality and diversity (PDF)

Environmental sustainability is one of the most critical issues facing global society, and UWE Bristol is committed to continually improving and updating its response to this challenge. The University expects its researchers to be mindful of sustainability issues which arise in the context of research. Further guidance is given in this section.

Sustainability (PDF)

UWE Bristol seeks to provide a supportive environment for those with research misconduct concerns, and this section outlines the procedures for raising such concerns.

Public Interest Disclosure (‘Whistleblowing’) (PDF)

This section defines research misconduct, and outlines UWE Bristol’s rigorous procedures for the investigation of research misconduct.

Research misconduct (PDF)