The University of East London is a signatory of The Concordat to Support Research Integrity, 2019, and adheres to the principles and commitments of the Concordat, to maintain the highest standards of rigour and integrity in all aspects of research, and ensure that research projects are conducted according to appropriate ethical, legal, regulatory and professional frameworks, obligations and standards.

The five commitments of the Concordat are to:

1. uphold the highest standards of rigour and integrity in all aspects of research.
2. ensure that research is conducted according to appropriate ethical, legal and professional frameworks, obligations and standards.
3. support a research environment that is underpinned by a culture of integrity and based on good governance, best practice, and support for the development of researchers.
4. use transparent, timely, robust and fair processes to handle allegations of research misconduct when they arise.
5. work together to strengthen the integrity of research.

The University’s Codes of Practices, policies, procedures and frameworks define the expected standards, behaviours and professional responsibilities for researchers, and compliance with statutory and regulatory bodies and funders of research. The University works together with its researchers to ensure that the core principles and responsibilities of conducting high-quality research are understood and upheld, ensuring that where necessary appropriate safeguards are in place, promoting good governance and best practice in research, and encouraging and supporting the development of researchers.  

The Singapore Statement on Research Integrity states that ‘Whilst there can be and are national and disciplinary differences in the way that research is organized and conducted, there are also principles and professional responsibilities that are fundamental to the integrity of the research wherever it is undertaken’.

The University recognises the nuances of different disciplines and their norms; however, the principles and standards of research integrity and ethical practice must be adhered to by all researchers to maintain a thriving research environment, strengthen good research practice and prevent misconduct in research.

The University’s research ethics committees provide a rigorous review of proposed research projects, in accordance with its processes, to ensure that the ethical considerations in each study have been identified and addressed. As such, researchers should engage with the core elements of the Concordat, in all aspects of research. Namely, rigour in line with disciplinary norms and standards, honesty in all aspects of research, care and respect for the well-being of all participants, contributors, users and beneficiaries of the research, accountability and transparency in the conduct of the research, and reporting and publishing the findings of the project.

Research data management is part of the research process concerning the organisation, storage, preservation, and sharing of data collected during a project. Additionally, effective data management supports the integrity and quality of research: UEL Research Data Management. The University’s Library, Archives and Learning Services (LALS) provides guidance, support and training on research data management.

Research projects should comply with all applicable laws and statutes relevant to the execution of the research. Where the location of the research project is outside of the UK, researchers should ensure that the study conforms to local, national and institutional laws, regulations, standards, practices and the expectations of research and research ethics that would normally apply.

Researchers must comply with all legal, ethical, regulatory and funding bodies’ regulations, professional obligations and organisational requirements for the collection, use and storage of data, including personal data. Researchers must abide by the principles of the Data Protection Act, 2018 and the UK General Data Protection Regulation policy, 2018. More information can be found on the University’s data protection policy webpage.

The potential to cause harm to the well-being of research participants should be considered in all research projects. Researchers should be mindful of affecting the welfare of participants through physical harm, psychological or emotional distress, or damage to the values, dignity or reputation of the participant. A research risk assessment form should be completed for research projects to identify, assess and evaluate any risks, and develop and employ protocols or practices to mitigate any negative consequences for participants, as an outcome of the study.

The University nurtures a research community marked by a strong culture of integrity, providing support and guidance to its researchers, to sustain a vital and ethical research environment. In accordance with the Concordat, UEL has a clear, robust, fair and transparent Staff and Student Misconduct in Research procedure which specifies the obligations, principles and benchmarks that researchers must uphold in their research pursuits. The University has a ‘Named Person’ and a nominated alternative to act in their absence, to investigate allegations of misconduct in research, which are investigated thoroughly, fairly and in a timely manner.

The University produces an Annual Statement of activities undertaken to support and strengthen understanding and application of research integrity at the University. UEL is committed to regularly reviewing policies, procedures, practices and systems, raising the awareness of those engaging in research to understand UEL’s expected standards, and their obligations and responsibilities to conduct their research projects to the highest standards of rigour and integrity.