Research Integrity

Research Services provides the Epigeum online 'Research Integrity, Second Edition' programme for use by all research staff and students.

The modules provide practical advice on dealing with the complex issues that can arise while planning, conducting and reporting research. The programme covers every stage of the research process.

Once you have registered, you are able to complete at your own pace.

Completion requirements are as follows:

• Initial completion of ‘Research Integrity, Second Edition’; and then
• Completion of ‘Research Integrity, Concise’ every 3 years.

Completion of these modules will be monitored by Research Services, with compliance checks specifically undertaken for:

• HDR students;
• Researchers undertaking funded research; and
• Applicants to the Human Research Ethics Committee or the Animal Ethics Committee.

Federation University staff can find the Research Integrity Training via Workday.

Federation University students can find the Research Integrity Training on Moodle: https://moodle.federation.edu.au/course/view.php?id=67204

The purpose of the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research (the Code) is to guide institutions and researchers in responsible research practices and promote integrity in research. The Code provides information about how to manage research data and materials; publish and disseminate research findings (including proper attribution of authorship); conduct effective peer review; and manage conflicts of interest. The Code also outlines how institutions should manage breaches of the Code and allegations of research misconduct, and explains the responsibilities and rights of researchers who potentially witness research misconduct.

The Code is written specifically for universities and other public sector research institutions. However, all organisations involved in research are encouraged to incorporate it as far as possible in their operating environments.

Compliance with the Code is a prerequisite for National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) funding.

There are many ways in which researchers may deviate from the standards and provisions of this Code, including but not limited to:

• Fabrication of results
• Falsification or misrepresentation of results
• Plagiarism
• Misleading ascription of authorship
• Failure to declare and manage serious conflicts of interest
• Falsification or misrepresentation to obtain funding
• Conducting research without ethics approval as required by the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Research Involving Humans and the Australian Code of Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes
• Risking the safety of human participants, or the well-being of animals or the environment
• Deviations from this Code that occur through gross or persistent negligence
• Wilful concealment or facilitation of research misconduct by others.

Researchers should acquaint themselves with, and meet the requirements of the Code as soon as possible.

The Code is also supported by a number of Guides that detail how to comply with the principles and responsibilities of the Code:

1. Guide to Managing and Investigating Potential Breaches of the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research
2. Authorship
3. Management of data and information in research
4. Peer review
5. Disclosure of interests and management of conflicts of interest
6. Supervision
7. Collaborative research
8. Publication and dissemination of research
9. Research Integrity Advisors

View above listed guides >

As per the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research (‘the Code’), research institutions in Australian must identify and train Research Integrity Advisors (RIAs) who assist in the promotion and fostering of responsible research conduct and provide advice to those with concerns about potential breaches of the Code (R6).

RIAs are people with research experience, knowledge of the University's policy and management structure, and familiarity with accepted practices in research who are appointed to provide advice on research integrity to researchers and students in accordance with the Australian Code for Responsible Conduct of Research and Federation University policy.  An RIA should be your first point of contact with any queries about responsible research conduct. They have familiarity with accepted research practices, including discipline specific practices, and provide impartial advice.

If you have any queries regarding responsible research conduct or you are concerned about a potential breach of the Code, you are encouraged to discuss the matter with a Research Integrity Advisor in the first instance.  They will help you to identify appropriate support or guidance material, help you determine whether to submit a formal compliant and how to do so, or discuss alternative options if appropriate.

Please note, the RIA’s role does not extend to assessment or investigation of a potential breach of the Code.

RIAs can be found in all Research Centres, however concerns can be raised with an RIA from any area.

Contact a Research Integrity Advisor

View the Research Integrity Advisor position description

Please refer to the University's Research Integrity & Misconduct Procedure.

Any questions, concerns or complaints can be lodged with the Research Integrity Office research.integrity@federation.edu.au

Research Integrity - Relevant Policies, Procedures and Documents

Research data management

As per the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research, suspected breaches of the Code must be reported (R29).  If you would like to report a potential breach of the Code, please contact the Research Integrity Office.                                  

You can call a member of the team listed at the ‘Contact Us’ link below, email at us research.integrity@federation.edu.au, or if you are Federation University staff or student you may also report a potential breach via this link or by scanning this QR code:

You will be asked to provide as much information as you can about the nature of the breach and any supporting evidence.  You have the option to remain anonymous, however doing so may limit the extent to which the case can be examined, and we will be unable to provide you with any feedback or update you on progress of the case.

If you would like advice about a Research Integrity matter, one of our knowledgeable Research Integrity Advisors (RIAs) will be able assist you. Contact details can be found below, in Research Integrity Advisors.  Note, Research Integrity Advisors’ role does not extend to assessment or investigation of a potential breach of the Code, these should be reported to the Research Integrity Office.

Please visit our Research Services Team webpage for further information on how to get in touch.