Introduction to research integrity
Introduction to research integrity – second edition
A training course for UKRIO subscribers
The Introduction to Research Integrity Course has been refreshed and improved for 2026 to provide a strong foundational understanding of research integrity principles, along with practical guidance on how to apply them in everyday research practices. It consists of three independent modules:
- Research integrity principles
- Frameworks to support research integrity
- Research integrity in practice
Tested by professionals
Developed through UKRIO’s extensive experience supporting researchers via its Advisory Service, the course has been completed by over 15,000 professionals from 100+ research organisations of various sizes and types, from specialist institutions to Public Sector Research Establishments (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?
Since is conception, more than 100 institutions have rolled the course out to their researchers and staff; and over 15,000 learners have accessed the course. Based on feedback, we have updated the course with the following new features:
- Updated content to reflect the latest field developments;
- Streamlined content and simplified language for a more user-friendly experience;
- Division into three standalone modules for increased flexibility;
- Improved navigability;
- Improved WCAG 2.2 Level AA digital accessibility;
- A greater number and diversity of videos and improved interactive elements, including flowcharts, case studies, scenarios, and assessments;
- 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 – Recognise the spectrum of research practice, from best practice to misconduct – Understand your role in ensuring research integrity – Understand the impact of research culture on research integrity |
| Module 2: Frameworks to support Research Integrity |
| Learning objectives: – Understand the expectations for upholding research integrity in the UK – Identify key requirements and recommendations to promote good research practice – Recognise the knowledge and skills required to embed research integrity into your work – Understand when and how organisations address research integrity concerns |
| Module 3: Research integrity in practice |
| Topics and Learning Objectives: 1. Introduction to research ethics principles and challenges Learning objective: Understand the ethical principles, requirements, and review processes that support responsible research, as well as some common ethical challenges. 2. Introduction to data management Learning objective: Identify the key principles and responsibilities involved in managing research data throughout the research lifecycle, including the importance of Data Management Plans. 3. Introduction to open research Learning objective: Recognise the benefits and challenges of open research and how open research practices such as open access or the FAIR principles, support transparency, accessibility, and trust in research. 4. Declaring and addressing conflicts of interests Learning objective: Understand what conflicts of interest are and how identifying, declaring, and managing them supports research integrity and trust. 5. Good authorship practices Learning objective: Reflect on common challenges related to responsible authorship and how to manage them from early on to support fairness and accountability in research. 6. Collaborative and international research Learning objective: Recognise the opportunities and challenges of international research and co-production, and how effective partnerships support responsible and inclusive research. 7. Artificial Intelligence in research Learning objective: Appreciate the opportunities, challenges, and responsibilities associated with the use of artificial intelligence in research, including the importance of transparency and human oversight. 8. Research security and why it matters Learning objective: Understand the principles of research security and how researchers can identify, assess, and manage risks to protect research, data, knowledge, and technologies. |
Who should take the course?
This course is suitable for all professionals involved in the research process, at all career stages and across disciplines, including researchers and research governance professionals. It serves as a foundational course for early-career staff 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 and supervisors)
- 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)
- Research ethics committee members
- Third sector professionals involved in research
Register your organisation
How to register
Subscriber organisations can register by completing the form below.
Before registering, please visit our main course page for information on hosting our online courses, including technical details on course delivery and the relevant terms and conditions.
Not sure if your organisation is a UKRIO subscriber? Check our active list here.
Last updated: 22/08/2026