UKRIO welcomes the publication of ‘The Concordat to Support Research Integrity’

The UK Research Integrity Office (UKRIO) welcomes the publication today of ‘The Concordat to Support Research Integrity’. We see it as an important step in the journey towards improving research integrity and enhancing the UK’s world-class reputation for conducting exceptional and innovative research.

Devised by Universities UK, Research Councils UK, the National Institute for Health Research and other key stakeholders, the Concordat sets out five commitments that those engaged in research can make to help ensure that the highest standards of rigour and integrity are maintained.

Professor Sir Ian Kennedy, Chair of UKRIO, said: ‘UKRIO has long championed many of the commitments of the Concordat. We are pleased to be part of the powerful consensus that this Concordat documents. UKRIO is committed to working with other organisations that take these responsibilities seriously. We look forward to exploring with researchers, employers, funders and regulators how the Concordat might be implemented for the public benefit and how it might complement wider efforts to sustain research integrity in the UK.’

James Parry, Chief Executive of UKRIO, added: ‘UKRIO’s services are being used more than ever. We are encouraged that the research community is uniting to do more to promote research integrity and sustain the strong professional ethos which, thankfully, drives most research here. We welcome the incorporation of our views into the Concordat and its recognition of UKRIO as a key part of the architecture for the future.’

UKRIO’s response to the publication of ‘The Concordat to Support Research Integrity’ is available to download:

UKRIO response to Concordat to Support Research Integrity July 2012

Further information on the Concordat and an electronic version of the publication can be found here.