Preamble
The value and benefits of research are vitally dependent on the integrity of research. While there can be and are national and disciplinary differences in the way research is organized and conducted, there are also principles and professional responsibilities that are fundamental to the integrity of research wherever it is undertaken.
Principles
Honesty in all aspects of research
Accountability in the conduct of research
Professional courtesy and fairness in working with others
Good stewardship of research on behalf of others
Responsibilities
1. Integrity: Researchers should take responsibility for
the trustworthiness of their research.
2. Adherence
to Regulations: Researchers should be aware of and adhere to regulations and policies
related to research.
3. Research
Methods: Researchers
should employ appropriate research methods, base conclusions on
critical analysis of the evidence and report findings and interpretations
fully and objectively.
4. Research
Records: Researchers should keep
clear, accurate records of all research in ways that will allow
verification and replication of their work by others.
5. Research
Findings: Researchers should share data and findings openly and promptly, as soon
as they have had an opportunity to establish priority and ownership
claims.
6. Authorship: Researchers should take responsibility for their contributions to all
publications, funding applications, reports and other representations
of their research. Lists of authors should include all those and only
those who meet applicable authorship criteria.
7. Publication
Acknowledgement: Researchers should acknowledge in publications the
names and roles of those who made significant contributions to
the research, including writers, funders, sponsors, and others,
but do not meet authorship criteria.
8. Peer Review: Researchers
should provide fair, prompt and rigorous evaluations and respect confidentiality
when reviewing others' work.
9. Conflict
of Interest: Researchers should disclose financial and other conflicts of interest
that could compromise the trustworthiness of their work in research
proposals, publications and public communications as well as in
all review activities.
10. Public
Communication: Researchers should limit professional comments to their recognized expertise
when engaged in public discussions about the application and importance
of research findings and clearly distinguish professional comments
from opinions based on personal views.
11. Reporting
Irresponsible Research Practices: Researchers should report to the appropriate authorities
any suspected research misconduct, including
fabrication, falsification or plagiarism, and other irresponsible
research practices that undermine the trustworthiness of research,
such as carelessness, improperly listing authors, failing to report
conflicting data, or the use of misleading analytical methods.
12. Responding
to Irresponsible Research Practices: Research institutions, as
well as journals, professional organizations and agencies that
have commitments to research, should have procedures for responding
to allegations of misconduct and other irresponsible research practices
and for protecting those who report such behavior in good faith.
When misconduct or other irresponsible research practice is confirmed,
appropriate actions should be taken promptly, including correcting
the research record.
13. Research
Environments: Research institutions should create and sustain environments that encourage
integrity through education, clear policies, and reasonable standards
for advancement, while fostering work environments that support
research integrity.
14. Societal Considerations: Researchers and research institutions should recognize that they have an ethical obligation to weigh societal benefits against risks inherent in their work
The Singapore Statement on Research Integrity was developed as part of the 2nd World Conference on Research Integrity, 21-24 July 2010, in Singapore, as a global guide to the responsible conduct of research. It is not a regulatory document and does not represent the official policies of the countries and organizations that funded and/or participated in the Conference. For official policies, guidance, and regulations relating to research integrity, appropriate national bodies and organizations should be consulted.
Statement Drafting Committee:
Nicholas Steneck and Tony Mayer, Co-chairs, 2nd World Conference on Research
Integrity
Melissa Anderson, Chair, Organizing Committee,
3rd World Conference on Research Integrity
