General Principles

The University of Aberdeen expects its research to be conducted fairly and ethically, in the spirit of openness and with the highest standards of integrity. The general principles underpinning its Framework for Research Governance are:

3.1 Excellence

Researchers should strive for excellence when conducting research and aim to produce and disseminate work of the highest quality. The University’s Framework for Research Governance is designed to support these goals.

3.2 Honesty and Integrity

At the heart of all research, regardless of discipline, is the expectation that all researchers will be honest and will act with integrity in respect of their own actions in carrying out research, and in their responses to the actions of other researchers. This applies to the full range of research activity irrespective of discipline, and includes experimental design, generating and analysing data, publishing results and acknowledging the direct and indirect contributions of colleagues, collaborators and others.

The University takes seriously its responsibilities under the UK Bribery Act 2010 (effective from 1 July 2011) and any activities which might be construed to fall within the definition of bribery under the Act will be dealt with in accordance with the University’s Statement on the Handling of Allegations of Unacceptable Research Conduct.  Bribery is defined as giving someone a financial or other advantage to encourage that person to perform their functions or activities improperly, or to reward that person for having already done so.  Facilitation payments to induce officials to perform functions which they are otherwise obligated to perform are always considered to be a bribe.  Bribery does not include bona fidehospitality or similar business expenditure that is reasonable and proportionate).

3.3 Openness and Accountability

While the University recognises the need for researchers to protect their own research interests in the process of planning their research and obtaining their results, it encourages researchers to be as open as possible in discussing their work with fellow researchers, and with the public. Once results have been published, the University expects researchers, where appropriate, to make available relevant data and materials to others, on request.

The University embraces the principles of open access publishing and the rights of staff and students to publish without hindrance, except where there is conflict with any ethical approvals and consents that cover the data and materials and any data protection or intellectual property rights.

3.4 Training and Skills

The University will provide training and development opportunities for its researchers and also the necessary resources to enable them to conduct research to the required standards. It will support researchers in identifying training needs and similarly, researchers should ensure that they have the necessary skills, training and resources to carry out their research, and should report and resolve any unmet needs identified.

3.5 Environmental Impact

The University will always seek to minimise any expected or potential negative impact on the environment from its research activities and will engage with the public to inform and stimulate debate on topical issues.