Online training course: About the course
Introduction to research integrity is a four-module course that has been carefully refined following a successful pilot with nearly 9,000 participants across 100+ research organisations across the UK. It is designed to provide a strong foundational understanding of research integrity principles, along with practical guidance on how to apply them in everyday research practices.
Enhanced value for subscribers at a critical time
We recognise that many of our subscribers are facing significant financial pressures, which can affect how research integrity is resourced. However, these challenges also increase the risk of poor research practices, making support for good research practices more critical than ever.
Research integrity training is essential for institutions to equip their staff to conduct high-quality, ethical, and effective research — and is increasingly a requirement for research funding.
To enhance our support for subscribers at a critical time, we are offering each of them up to 1,000 free places in the course (based on subscription tier) and discounted rates for additional enrolments.
This course is the first in a series of new training materials we will be offering over the next year.
Tested by professionals
Developed through UKRIO’s extensive experience supporting researchers via its Advisory Service, this course was tested by nearly 9,000 professionals from 100+ research organisations of various sizes and types, from specialist institutions to PSREs and Russell Group universities.
Here’s what pilot participants say about the course:
92% would ‘definitely’ or ‘probably’ recommend this course to other researchers. (n=1,435)
94% reported the course ‘exceeded expectations’ or ‘met expectations’. (n=1,424)
95% reported that it was ‘very easy’ or ‘easy’ to navigate the course. (n=1,430)
Source: Feedback survey from participants in the pilot version of the training course, conducted after course completion.
What’s new?
Based on feedback from the pilot, we’ve made key enhancements to the course.
New features include:
- New and refreshed design for a more user-friendly experience
- Expanded content on topics like research ethics, conflicts of interest, data management, authorship, and AI
- New multimedia and interactive elements, including videos, case studies, scenarios, and assessments
- Up-to-date guidance on key frameworks such as the revised Concordat to Support Research Integrity
- A streamlined registration and administration process
- Improved reporting capabilities
- A communications package to help subscribers promote the course
What does the course cover?
This course will help your organisation’s staff and/or members apply research integrity principles to strengthen good research practice and enhance the integrity of their work.
The course covers the following topics:
| Module 1: Principles of research integrity |
| Learning objectives: – Explain what research integrity is and why it matters – Define the five principles of research integrity – Understand how high-quality research, personal responsibility, and professional conduct contribute to research integrity – Recognise the spectrum of research practice, from best practice to misconduct |
| Module 2: The UK’s research integrity guidelines, principles, and governance frameworks |
| Learning objectives: – Understand the expectations for upholding research integrity in the UK – Identify the key requirements and recommendations that promote good research practices – Recognise the knowledge and skills necessary to embed research integrity into your work – Describe the roles and responsibilities of research integrity professionals – Understand when and how to report research integrity concerns and how organisations address them |
| Module 3: Research integrity in practice |
| Module 3 includes four compulsory topics, followed by an assessment quiz. If you pass, additional optional topics will become available for you to explore based on your interests. Each will conclude with a short assessment to reinforce your learning. Compulsory topics: – Research ethics – Data collection and management – Open research – Declaring competing interests Additional topics: – Collaborative working – Authorship – AI – Research security |
| Module 4: Fostering a culture of research integrity |
| Learning objectives: – Understand how research integrity and research culture impact people, research, and society – Identify current challenges in our research culture and key inhibitors and enablers of integrity – Recognise the shared responsibilities of all research actors in supporting a positive and inclusive research culture – Reflect on your positionality and how reflexive practice can support research integrity Identify ways to lead by example, whatever your role or career stage |
Who should take the course?
This course is suitable for researchers at all career stages and across disciplines, as well as research governance professionals. It serves as a foundational course for early-career researchers and a refresher for experienced professionals.
The following audiences will benefit from this course:
- Early career researchers (PhD students, postdocs and fellows)
- Established researchers (PIs, lecturers, professors)
- Senior research leaders (PVCs, directors, heads of departments/centres)
- Research support staff (technicians, research assistants, data/project infrastructure support)
- Research governance staff (research integrity, culture, governance and ethics professionals)
Last updated: 19/06/2025