Our statement on research integrity sets out our commitment to the highest standards of research integrity.
Staffordshire University Statement on Research Integrity
Staffordshire University expects high standards in the conduct of research undertaken by staff, students, visiting honorary and emeritus titleholders, associates and consultants. The University will act in accordance with the principles set out in the Concordat to Support Research Integrity (Universities UK, 2019). The concordat defines what is expected of researchers and their employers to ensure the highest standards of research, namely:
- Maintaining the highest standards of rigour and integrity in all aspects of research.
- Ensuring that research is conducted according to appropriate ethical, professional frameworks, obligations and standards.
- Supporting a research environment that is underpinned by a culture of integrity and based on good governance, best practice and support for the development of researchers.
- Using transparent, robust and fair processes to deal with allegations of research misconduct.
- Working together to strengthen the integrity of research and to reviewing progress regularly and openly.
Research Integrity at Staffordshire University is overseen by Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor Kevin Hetherington (kevin.hetherington@staffs.ac.uk).
For further information, or any questions, regarding research integrity at Staffordshire University, queries in the first instance should be directed to the Research Policy and Governance Manager, Dr Jane McKay (jane.mckay@staffs.ac.uk).
Should any person wish to raise concerns about the integrity of research being conducted under the auspices of Staffordshire University, they can contact, in confidence, the Head of Research Environment and Development, Mrs Emma Davies (E.J.Davies@staffs.ac.uk).
Annual reports on research integrity
In line with the requirements of the Concordat to support research integrity, the university’s Board of Governors reviews and approves an annual statement summarising how research integrity is promoted and supported, including details of related activities undertaken across the university. This statement also includes anonymised information about how allegations of misconduct in research have been assessed and investigated.
Responsible use of Research Metrics
Staffordshire University recognises that while research metrics have many benefits for individual researchers and institutions, they also have limitations and we recognise that misinformed or ill-applied use of metrics can be detrimental to an individual and the institution itself. As such, Staffordshire University adopts and advocates a responsible use of research metrics as outlined in our Statement on the Responsible use of Research Metrics (PDF file).
Use of metrics in research at Staffordshire University is the responsibility of the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor Kevin Hetherington (kevin.hetherington@staffs.ac.uk).
Key policies
Research Misconduct Policy
Staffordshire University’s Policy on Research Misconduct, and its process for investigating allegation of Research Misconduct:
The definition of research misconduct can be found in section 7 of the Code of Conduct for Research and Research Integrity (2022).
Anyone who believes that an act of research misconduct has taken place or is taking place, should notify, in writing, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (or the confidential whistle-blower contact), and explain the nature of the allegation and the person or persons against whom the allegation of research misconduct has been made. The identity of a Complainant will not be disclosed during the investigation.
Open data and Open Access Mandate
Staffordshire University is committed to the principles of open access to research outputs.