Responsible Conduct of Research
UNSW Code of Conduct and Values and the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research
The UNSW Code of Conduct and Values came into effect on 17 May 2024. The Code of Conduct and Values is a combined code that replaced several individual codes of conduct. The responsibilities in the Code of Conduct and Values that most directly relate to the conduct of research include 3.1 – 3.5, 4.1, 4.2, 4.5 and 5.1. The Code of Conduct and Values has adopted the (the Australian Code). UNSW researchers must adhere to the principles and responsibilities as set out in the Australian Code.
The Australian Code outlines the principles that characterise an honest, ethical and conscientious research culture. Â UNSW researchers must adhere to the principles and responsibilities as set out in the Australian Code at every stage of their research activities.
The 8 Principles of responsible research conduct are:
- HONESTY in the development, undertaking and reporting of research.Â
- RIGOUR in the development, undertaking and reporting of research.Â
- TRANSPARENCY in declaring interest and reporting research methodologies, data and findings.Â
- FAIRNESS in the treatment of others.
RESPECT for research participants, the wider community, animals and the environment.
RECOGNITION of the right of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to be engaged in research that affects or is of significance to them.
ACCOUNTABILITY for the development, undertaking and reporting of research.
PROMOTION of responsible research practices.
A researcher is defined under the Australian Code is a “Person (or persons) who conducts, or assists with the conduct of, research.â€
Therefore, at UNSW, the definition of researcher can include:
- Academic staff
- Professional/technical/non-academic staff undertaking research or a research function
- Visiting and conjoint/adjunct appointees
- Research Trainees, Higher Degree Research (HDR) Candidates and Coursework Students
Breaches of the Australian Code and the Code of Conduct and Values
UNSW recognises that most UNSW researchers demonstrate behaviours consistent with the Code of Conduct and Values and the Australian Code.
Behaviour contrary to the Code of Conduct and Values and the Australian Code may be ‘a breach’. From a research integrity perspective, a breach is defined as a failure by a UNSW researcher to meet the principles or responsibilities of the Australian Code and / or the Code of Conduct and Values. Breaches occur on a spectrum and may consist of a single breach or multiple breaches. A serious breach of the Australian Code which is also intentional or reckless or negligent may constitute Research Misconduct. Examples of research integrity breaches include:
- Fabrication / Falsification / Misrepresentation of research data or results
- Conducting research without ethics approval; or contrary to ethics protocols
- Plagiarism
- Misuse of research funds
- Failure to disclose and manage conflicts of interest
- Loss / Inappropriate destruction / Failure to maintain research records, data or source material
UNSW is committed to promoting a culture of responsible and ethical research practices. Research Integrity Advisors and the Conduct & Integrity Office (CIO) provide guidance and advice regarding the responsible conduct of research and potential breaches of the Code of Conduct and Values and Australian Code. All staff have an obligation to report any issues relating to research integrity including any suspected breaches of the Code of Conduct and Values and Australian Code.
Reports of suspected or potential research integrity breaches of the Code of Conduct and Values and Australian Code will be managed in accordance with the Complaints Management & Investigations Policy & Procedure.
However, it is important to note that complaints relating to potential research integrity breaches are managed according to:
- the relevant code of conduct that was in effect at the time of the alleged conduct.
- the relevant complaint procedure that was in effect at the time the report was made.
