Recap: Exploring guidance on non-genuine participation in online research
Recap:
Exploring guidance on non-genuine participation in online research
15 October 2025, 10:00-11:00 BST
On 15 October 2025, we hosted the second session of our annual Expert Webinar series – public forums for leading voices from the research community to share insights on emerging topics in research integrity.
At this session, we were joined by guest speakers from the University of Nottingham, who introduced their new guidance on non-genuine participation in online research. Developed with input from UKRIO, this guidance addresses key threats to research integrity in online studies – including misrepresentation of eligibility, multiple or repeated participation, disengaged or careless responses, and automated ‘bot’ activity.
The project team outlined the guidance, discussing the process behind its development, and shared practical strategies for using it to uphold research integrity. The session concluded with a Q&A with attendees.
About the speakers
Dr Blandine French
Dr Blandine French is a lived-experience senior research fellow at the University of Nottingham, specialising in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Her research focuses on increasing awareness of ADHD in primary care, developing training for GPs to improve identification and access to care, and leading projects such as Recount, which examines the personal, societal and economic costs of undiagnosed ADHD and autism. Blandine also founded the Nottingham Neurodiversity Network and has facilitated peer support groups for over a decade, working closely with parents, children and young people with neurodevelopmental conditions.
Dr Camilla Babbage
Dr Camilla Babbage is a Research Fellow at the University of Nottingham, specialising in digital mental health interventions for young people, with a strong focus on coproduction and public involvement.
Her work spans multiple projects including the Digital Youth MRC, where she leads a trial of a serious game integrating cognitive behavioural therapy for young people with low mood, and co-developing a digital self-harm tool. She also contributes to studies exploring engagement, implementation, and healthcare access for people with neurodevelopmental conditions.