Research Integrity

As a university we are committed to upholding the highest standards of rigour and integrity in all aspects of research. The Concordat to Support Research Integrity defines research integrity as a set of individual and collective behaviours that define good research practice.

Research Integrity at UON

The core elements are:

  • Honesty in all aspects of research, including in the presentation of research goals, intentions and findings; in reporting on research methods and procedures; in gathering data; in using and acknowledging the work of other researchers; and in conveying valid interpretations and making justifiable claims based on research findings.
  • Rigour, in line with prevailing disciplinary norms and standards, and in performing research and using appropriate methods; in adhering to an agreed protocol where appropriate; in drawing interpretations and conclusions from the research; and in communicating the results.
  • Transparency and open communication in declaring potential competing interests; in the reporting of research data collection methods; in the analysis and interpretation of data; in making research findings widely available, which includes publishing or otherwise sharing negative or null results to recognise their value as part of the research process; and in presenting the work to other researchers and to the public.
  • Care and respect for all participants in research, and for the subjects, users and beneficiaries of research, including humans, animals, the environment and cultural objects. Those engaged with research must also show care and respect for the integrity of the research record.
  • Accountability of funders, employers and researchers to collectively create a research environment in which individuals and organisations are empowered and enabled to own the research process. Those engaged with research must also ensure that individuals and organisations are held to account when behaviour falls short of the standards set by this concordat.

As a signatory of the Concordat, we publish an annual statement on our activities.

Research Integrity Policy

The University of Northampton is underpinned by the highest standards of rigour and integrity and expectations for all colleagues and students are set out in the University’s Research Integrity Policy.