Research Misconduct
The University recognises its responsibility to researchers and the wider community to ensure the highest standards of integrity and professionalism are observed in the conduct of research. The University recognises the importance of researchers taking responsibility for their own research, including topic and methodology, and the ethical and legal requirements placed on both researchers and the University itself.
The University’s Research Code of Practice provides guiding principles and standards of good practice in research across all subject disciplines and fields of study in the University. These principles underpin the University’s commitment to effective research governance, the pursuit of excellence and the highest quality research. Failure to comply with these principles may be deemed to constitute research misconduct under the University’s Procedure for the Investigation of Research Misconduct.
Reporting
Members and employees of the University have a duty to report all alleged research misconduct. Any reports of alleged research misconduct shall be managed as prescribed in the Procedure for the Investigation of Research Misconduct. This Procedure recognises that the investigation of allegations of research misconduct can involve complex issues and seeks to discharge the University’s responsibilities sensitively and fairly.
Allegations of research misconduct should be reported in the first instance to ResearchGovernance@warwick.ac.uk.
The University’s Procedure for the Investigation of Research Misconduct sets out the procedures for dealing with allegations of research misconduct and concerns about questionable research practices.
Research Misconduct
Misconduct in research is constituted by a failure to comply with the provisions of the University's Research Code of Practice and the Concordat to Support Research Integrity (2025), taking into consideration standards of best practice at the time when the alleged research misconduct took place.
"Research misconduct constitutes the behaviours and deliberate actions that fall short of the principles of Honesty, Rigour, Transparency, Care and Respect, and Accountability, occurring at any point in the research lifecycle. This includes behaviours associated with the ideation of research proposals, reviewing the work of others, and the reporting of research findings." Definition: Concordat to Support Research Integrity (2025)Link opens in a new window
Questionable Research Practices (QRPs)
QRPs may be identified as a result of an allegation of research misconduct or reported as a concern through other routes. If QRPs are identified, then they should be addressed via informal resolution.
"QRPs refer to minor infractions of research practices, including avoidable errors, which fall short of the definition of intentional research misconduct. They may arise due to a lack of knowledge or attention to detail, negligence, or deliberate action, and may occur where there is no evident intention to deceive." Definition: Concordat to Support Research Integrity (2025)Link opens in a new window
Additional Information
- The Procedure and related guidance has been developed with reference to the current UKRIO - Procedure for investigating breaches of research integrityLink opens in a new window
- Any proved allegation(s) of misconduct could lead to disciplinary actions as set out in the University’s Statute 11, Regulation 23 (students) or Disciplinary Policy (staff) or as per Regulation 11 (academic integrity).
- Concerns about suspected wrongdoing or unethical conduct may also be reported via the University's Whistleblowing Code of Practice that is a specific code within the University's overall Feedback and Complaints Procedure.
- Where researchers are found to have committed research misconduct, referral to the appropriate funding agency and/or relevant regulatory body may also be required.
- The Russell Group of universities has agreed a Statement of CooperationLink opens in a new window with respect to cross-institutional research misconduct allegations. This sets out the principles for the management of research misconduct allegations that involve more than one institution.