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Research Integrity

In February 2010, the Irish Council for Bioethics began its project to consider the ethical and associated issues pertaining to research integrity. The Council's established a Rapporteur Group to achieve this objective.

On 26 October 2010 the Council published its report:
Recommendations for Promoting Research Integrity           
Click here to download the document as a pdf
The press release is available here...

       

The aim of science is to increase our understanding and knowledge beyond what is already known of the world we live in. Support for science and research stems from the improvements these endeavours have brought to people's lives e.g. health research has contributed enormously to society through the understanding, treatment and alleviation of illnesses and diseases.

However, support for scientific research depends very much upon the credibility and integrity of the science system and upon public trust in the individuals and institutions conducting research.

As the single biggest funder of R&D, the Irish taxpayer needs not only to be informed about the research it funds, but also to know that this research is conducted and reported properly, transparently and honestly.

It is the belief of the Council that achieving this goal requires the implementation of a comprehensive framework incorporating measures, not only to deal with misconduct but also to promote integrity.

Ireland currently lacks a formal framework to ensure good research practice as a result, research institutions have to be relied upon to police themselves. For this reason, the Council set about preparing a set of recommendations, based on international best practice, which may assist in the cultivation of a standardised approach to promoting research integrity and dealing with allegations of misconduct.

As part of the consultation process pertaining to this project and with a view to informing its deliberations, the Council sought submissions from numerous stakeholder organisations and research institutions within Ireland.