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Ethics & integrity

Research integrity

The principles of research integrity

Red outline of a hand on heart Honesty
Red outline of a bar graph with a horizontal line showing inclining amounts. Flag stands on the right hand side of graph. Rigour
Red outline of a magnifying glass with a x showing in the glass. Transparency
Red outline of scales. Fairness
Red outline of two hands shaking each other. Respect
Red outline of Australia with an Aboriginal art pattern of the left lower side of the outline where Western Australia is located. Recognition
Red outline of a head of a person and upper body with a red tick in a circle over the right shoulder. Accountability
Red outline of a hand holding a loudspeaker with three lines indicating sound in being projected out of the speaker. Promotion

We are committed to a responsible research culture.

The aim of the Research Integrity Office is to promote and foster a culture of responsible research at the University reflective of the principles set out in the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research, 2018 (“the Code”) and the UOW Code of Practice – Responsible Conduct of Research and its supporting policies.

We are committed to providing advice, support and training along with mechanisms for resolution of authorship dispute matters and information on lodging a formal complaint or concern with the UOW Complaints Management Centre.

We partner with our Research Integrity Advisors to assist researchers to conduct their research with the highest standards of integrity, ensuring research at UOW is safe, ethical and responsible and is in accordance with the relevant codes, guidelines, legislation and professional frameworks.

Further information

About research integrity

About breaches, concerns and complaints

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research

About foreign relations and international collaborations

Authorship and publishing

Research Data Management

Research supervision

Generative Artificial Intelligence

Conflict of interest in research

Frequently asked questions

Help – advice and support services

Forms, guidelines & policies

Training and development

Committee information

About research integrity

Watch video: Research Integrity at UOW

The broad principles that characterise an honest, ethical and responsible research culture are outlined in the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research (“the Code”) and its supporting guidelines. These principles are reflected in UOW’s Code of Practice – Responsible Conduct of Research.  These documents are designed to assist researchers and institutions in understanding and meeting their obligations for responsible research. 

Researchers new to research must familiarise themselves with the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research (“the Code”) and its supporting guidelines.

It is also highly recommended that researchers new to UOW review UOW’s Code of Practice – Responsible Conduct of Research and familiarise themselves with the policies available.

Other resources and opportunities researchers should consider include:

Refer to our Training and Development section for other opportunities.

Reach out to our Research Integrity Officer to learn more about Research Integrity and our approach at UOW. You can email or call the Research Integrity Office to arrange specific training to meet your individual needs or the needs of your School / group which can be as formal or informal as you require.

Alternatively, UOW has an established network of academic staff called Research Integrity Advisors who can assist you with discipline and research specific questions and concerns about integrity.

 

International approaches to research integrity have been shaped by a series of global initiatives and statements developed through the World Conferences on Research Integrity (WCRI). These forums have developed shared principles and commitments which provide guidance worldwide. Key outputs include:

Explore some* of the widely adopted frameworks that guide integrity in research worldwide:

* Please note this is a representative list and not an exhaustive one.

The principles of research integrity

Red outline of a hand on heart

Honesty

When developing, undertaking and reporting on research, information must be presented truthfully and accurately in proposing, conducting and reporting research, ensuring that any claims or conclusions are justified.

 

Red outline of a bar graph with a horizontal line showing inclining amounts. Flag stands on the right hand side of graph.

Rigour

When developing, undertaking and reporting on research, it must be underpinned with attention to detail and the application of a robust methodology with strategies in place to avoid or acknowledge any bias.

 

Red outline of a magnifying glass with a x showing in the glass.

Transparency

When declaring interests and reporting research methodology, data and findings on research, any conflicts of interest and reputational risks must be disclosed and managed. Research methodology, findings and knowledge must be shared openly, responsibly and accurately. 

Red outline of scales.

Fairness

Fellow researchers and others involved in the research must be treated fairly and with respect. Appropriate references and citations with referring to the work of others and appropriate credit for authorship must be applied. 

Red outline of two hands shaking each other.

Respect 

All human research participants, communities and animals must be treated with care and respects with appropriate consideration given to the needs of minority groups and vulnerable people. Decisions and actions related to the care and use of animals must be made with respect and adverse effects on the environment as a result of research must be minimised. 

Red outline of Australia with an Aboriginal art pattern of the left lower side of the outline where Western Australia is located.

Recognition

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples continual connection to country and diverse forms of culture, cultural expression and knowledges must be respected and valued. Research projects must be collaborative, culturally meaningful and reciprocal with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples enabled to freely make decisions about the purpose, design, protocols, roles and responsibilities with outcomes report to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities.  

Red outline of a head of a person and upper body with a red tick in a circle over the right shoulder.

Accountability

When developing, undertaking and reporting on research it must compliy with all relevant legislation, internal and external policies and guidelines. There must be good stewardship of public resources with reputational risks, consequences and outcomes of research considered prior to communication. 

Red outline of a hand holding a loudspeaker with three lines indicating sound in being projected out of the speaker.

Promotion

Responsible research practices and a culture that supports the responsible conduct of research will be fostered and promoted with research students and early career researchers mentored and supervised accordingly.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research

UOW’s Code of Practice – Responsible Conduct of Research echoes the principle of recognition as found in the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research. It outlines the requirement for all researchers to respect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples continual connection to Country, and value diverse forms of culture, cultural expression and knowledges.

The UOW Research Data Management Policy supports the CARE Principles for Indigenous Data Governance and role of research data in advancing Indigenous innovation and self-determination.

Researchers are encouraged to engage in the AIATSIS CORE Cultural Learning: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australia available in Unified. 
The Research Integrity Development and Ethics team, in collaboration with Indigenous Strategy and Engagement has compiled guidance on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research.

Refer to the Help – Advice and Support Services section for information on people available to provide further assistance.

About breaches, concerns and complaints

UOW’s Code of Practice – Responsible Conduct of Research defines a breach as “behaviour that fails to meet the principles or responsibilities of the Code or fails to comply with relevant policies or legislation.”

Before a breach is assessed or investigated it is referred to as a potential breach. A preliminary assessment and/or investigation process determines whether a breach has occurred and whether it is minor breach, major breach or research misconduct.

Research misconduct is a serious breach which is also intentional or reckless or negligent. Repeated or persistent breaches will likely constitute a serious breach. Where there has been previous counselling or specific direction, repeated or continuing breaches do constitute research misconduct. Research misconduct may have serious consequences.

WATCH VIDEO: HOW ARE CONCERNS HANDLED AT UOW

Most researchers research with integrity but what happens when this isn't the case? Read this short summary article to understand how concerns related to the responsible conduct of research are handled at UOW". 

Further information is available in our Research Integrity Video Library in Moodle.

I have a concern or complaint, what should I do?

  1. You can familiarise yourself with the research policies and procedures that guide responsible research at UOW. You may also wish to familiarise yourself with the Managing and Investigating Potential Breaches of the Code Policy and related Procedure.
  2. You can seek advice from a Research Integrity Advisor and/or a  Research Integrity Officer.
  3. If you are an HDR student you can seek support, as described on the Graduate Research School HDR support contacts or from your School Head of Postgraduate Studies or Faculty Associate Dean – Higher Degree Research

How do I lodge a concern or complaint formally?

If you decide to lodge a concern or make a complaint in writing, you can send it through the University’s online Complaints Management System.

Can I make a complaint anonymously?

Yes, the University accepts anonymous complaints and aims to investigate where possible. However, if there is insufficient or unclear detail provided, it may limit the University’s ability to assess or investigate the matter.

You are encouraged to review further information in the Managing and Investigating Potential Breaches of the Code Policy and related Procedure for information on with holding your identity. 

What happens after I submit a concern or complaint in writing?

  1. You should expect to receive an acknowledgement that your concern or complaint has been received.
  2. Next your concern or complaint with be triaged by Complaints Management Centre
  3. . This means:
    • A staff member will be appointed to manage the initial review.
    • It will be determined if the concern or complaint relates to a potential breach of the Code, or a potential breach of a different University Code or policy and the best approach for managing the concern or complaint.
    • Any urgent actions that need to be taken will be identified i.e.: to protect humans, animals or the environment affected by the research activity.
  4. You will be advised of the outcome of the triage process and the next steps to be taken unless you have reported the concern or complaint anonymously.

Is there a time limit on raising research integrity concerns or complaints?

There is no time limit on raising a concern however early intervention can often prevent an issue from escalating or reoccurring. In some cases, delaying the reporting of an issue can impact on the ability of the team to assess or investigate an issue or implement remedial actions.

See Help – Advice and Support Services section for information on people available to help you.

As outlined in the ARC Research Integrity Policy, any process related concerns following the finalisation of any preliminary assessment or investigation can be referred to Australian Research Integrity Committee (ARIC).

About foreign relations and international collaboration

Watch video: International collaborations at UOW

Under the Principle 7, Accountability, and Responsibility 17 of the Code researchers have a responsibility to comply with relevant laws, regulations, disciplinary standards, ethics guidelines and institutional policies related to responsible research conduct and ensure that appropriate approvals are obtained prior to the commencement of research, and that conditional of any approvals are adhered to during the course of research.

There are a number of regulatory requirements designed to ensure that Australia’s national interest is protected. The investigators, partners and research area of all projects should be assessed to ensure the project complies with all assessment, permit and notification requirements for Defence Export Controls, Sanctions, Foreign Interference, the Foreign Influence Transparency Scheme and the Foreign Arrangements Scheme.

Information, including information on available training, can be found on the following webpages:

The New Researcher Guide (PDF: 2.9) contains a summary of these legislative elements and the Regulatory Checklist for International Collaborations (PDF: 188 KB) is designed to help staff navigate the legislative requirements and understand if a permit, notification or additional assessment is required.

Research is a valuable asset with international collaborations, one of many exposure points for research data and intellectual property. Researchers must take measures to protect their research and are asked to complete the UOW Foreign Engagements Declaration, and are also encouraged to familiarise themselves with the advice available on the Cyber safety at UOW webpage.

Researchers travelling overseas and needing to take their devices with them must take precautions to protect research assets. IMTS have provided a Travelling Overseas with Devices Information Sheet to answer some of the more common queries for overseas travel.

Authorship and publishing

The key principles that apply to authorship are Principle 5, Fairness, and Principle 7 Accountability.

The Fairness principle describes how researchers must treat fellow researchers and others involved in the research fairly and with respect, appropriately referencing and citing the work of others and giving credit, including authorship where appropriate, to those who have contributed to the research.

The Accountability principle describes how researchers are accountable for good stewardship of public resources and the requirement to stop and consider the consequences and outcomes of research prior to its communication.

The two principles are reinforced in Responsibility 19, 23, 24, 25, 26 and 27 which, in summary, outline:

  • Listed authors are all those, and only those, who have made a significant intellectual or scholarly contribution
  • All authors have agreed to be listed as an author
  • That those who have contributed, but not entitled to authorship, are acknowledged
  • Other relevant work has been cited appropriately and accurately
  • Research findings are disseminated responsibly, accurately and broadly with action taken to correct the record in a timely manner, where necessary

Further information can be found in in the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research, 2018 (“the Code”), the Authorship guideline and Publication and dissemination of research guideline.

The UOW Authorship Policy, Authorship Acknowledgement Procedure and Authorship Dispute Resolution Procedure reflect the principles and responsibilities set out in the Code and its supporting guidelines. There are two forms that can be used to keep track of authorship agreements made between researchers collaborating on a publication.

The Authorship and Acknowledgement Agreement – Individual Research Output (DOCX) is designed to formalise discussions and agreements for a single research output such as a publication.

The  Authorship and Acknowledgement Agreement – Project Plan (DOCX) is designed to capture agreements made at the commencement of a research project which may result in multiple research outputs. It can be used in conjunction with the Authorship and Acknowledgement Agreement – Individual Research Output (DOCX) form.

Open Access is the publication of scholarly work that can be freely accessed by anyone in the world via the internet with research freely and immediately accessible to readers rather than kept behind a pay wall or only accessible via a subscription or library service.

UOW is committed to the dissemination and promotion of its research findings as widely as possible with its Open Access Principles which provide guidance reflective of the principles outlined in the Code.

Researchers must check and comply with any requirements related to funding or commercial agreements when making their publishing decisions.

Further considerations to assist making an informed decision about responsible publishing and open access can be found in these resources:

I’d like to understand more about Predatory Publishing – where can I find information?

WATCH VIDEO: PROTECT YOUR RESEARCH FROM PREDATORY PUBLISHERS

The Research Integrity Office provides micro-training on predatory publishing which is available in the Research Integrity Video Library.

The UOW Library provides the Library services for researchers guide, to assist researchers in submitting research manuscripts to reputable publishers. The guideline provides information on indicators to assess publication outlet quality to enable researchers to make responsible decisions in dissemination of their research findings.

Researchers are encouraged to contact the Research & Engagement Librarian team for advice on publishing and use of the journal quality tools. The Research Integrity Office is also available to provide further information on responsible publishing practices.

I believe I have been a victim of a predatory publisher – where can I find help?

If you would like some additional advice when checking whether a journal or conference is predatory or legitimate, there are a number of avenues to assist:

  • Researchers are encouraged to contact the Research & Engagement Librarian team for advice on publishing and use of the journal quality tools or for assistance with legitimacy of publisher emails.
  • Research Integrity Advisors are experienced researchers that can provide guidance or advice pertaining to Research Integrity and may be able to assist with journal knowledge specific to your discipline.
  • HDR Students may wish to ask their supervisors for advice.

UOW maintains a record of incidents of predatory publishing. If you have witnessed your research or name on a predatory publisher website or conference page, you are advised to report to uow-researchintegrity@uow.edu.au. Researchers will be asked to capture an image of the website and provide a website link and any background information, and will be provided advice on the next steps.

Where can I find guidance on reputable publishers?

The UOW Library provides the Library services for researchers guide, which contains tools on how to identify quality journals and conferences.

You may also wish to review TEQSA’s Predatory publishing: A to Z elements Guide (PDF: 125 KB) on qualities and features of reputable publishers and journals

You can email or call the Research Integrity Office or our Research Integrity Advisor Network is available to all staff and students.

Additional help and support services are provided.

Research Data Management

Research data is a valuable asset. It is a requirement that researchers engage good research data management practices to protect and maintain it.

In 2019, the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), the Australian Research Council (ARC) and Universities Australia released the Management of Data and Information [PDF] in Research. This guide, which supports the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research, outlines that responsible data management is a shared responsibility with institutions and researchers both having accountability for the integrity of research data and adherence to the principles of the Code along with institutional policies, relevant laws, regulations, guidelines and discipline specific practices and standards.

Responsibility 22 of the Code establishes that researchers must retain clear, accurate, secure and complete records of all research including research data and primary materials and, where possible and appropriate, allow access and reference to these by interested parties. To enable researchers to meet responsibility 22, UOW provides a research data management policy suite along with research data guidance and training across all stages of the research data lifecycle. Detailed information is outlined on the UOW Managing Research Data webpage. 

Mismanagement of data and information in research is a concern which can result in a breach of the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research. The UOW Managing Research Data – Self Assessment Checklist (DOC Download) is designed to help researchers navigate their responsibilities, providing valuable insights for data management and enhancing the quality and integrity of research data, enabling the requirements of the Code to be met.

The Research Data Management Policy and associated guidelines outline a comprehensive set of expected practices for managing data across the research lifecycle.

The UOW Research Services Office is the central point of contact for researchers with questions about research data management and can provide information and support for the administration and management of research data including research data management plans, data storage options, research data archiving and disposal and policy advice. Further information is available on the UOW Managing Research Data webpage.

The UOW Library guide to Research Data Management provides information on preparation, managing and publishing data, including information on licensing datasets.

The UOW Research Integrity Office provides guidance on matters relating to responsible research data practices. Advice can also be provided by contacting a Research Integrity Advisor.

The UOW Human Ethics team can provide guidance on data management as it related to the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research.

Online training and recordings of previous webinars are available in Moodle – refer to the UOW Managing Research Data website for further information on available training. HDR Candidates may also like to check the HDR Information and Support Hub or the Researcher Development Hub for additional information on the available training.

Research supervision

UOW’s Code of Practice – Responsible Conduct of Research requires that researchers conduct supervisory activities in accordance with the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research (2018) and the supporting Guide for Supervision.

In summary, these documents outline the following activities are the responsibility of a supervising researcher:

  • Providing guidance and mentorship on responsible research conduct
  • Monitoring the conduct of those under supervision
  • Undertaking and promoting education and training in responsible research conduct

A deviation from the responsibilities outlined in the UOW Code of Practice – Responsible Conduct of Research or the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research is known as a breach.

Breaches are considered on a severity scale from minor breach to major breach with more severe, or multiple breaches, being referred to as research misconduct. Before assessment or investigation, a concern is known as a “potential breach”.

It is important research supervisors are prepared for a situation where they are concerned with the research integrity of those conducting research under their supervision. Research supervisors are encouraged to:

If a research supervisor has a query or concern regarding the research integrity of someone under their supervision, they can discuss with staff in the Research Integrity Development and Ethics Office or a Research Integrity Advisor.

A concern relating to a potential breach can be lodged with the UOW Complaints Management Centre. The UOW Complaints Management Centre are responsible for triaging, managing and investigating concerns in accordance with the UOW Managing and Investigating Potential Breaches of the Research Code Policy and Procedure.

For Supervisors

The UOW Graduate Research School HDR Supervisor Hub (Intranet accessed) provides a range of resources including information on HDR Supervisor Training (Intranet accessed) and the HDR Supervision Registration (Intranet accessed) process.  The training series is designed to provide researchers with essential knowledge regarding their responsibilities to their students and UOW.

For HDR candidates

The HDR Information Hub includes information on Navigating the Supervisory Relationship, which includes a range of resources and advice for HDR candidates looking to contribute to a responsible professional relationship and positive collaboration with their supervisory team

UOW provides a number of training opportunities for students. These opportunities should be promoted by supervisors, with research students encouraged to attend to develop their skills and knowledge of responsible research practices.

Refer to the Help – Advice and Support Services section of this webpage for further assistance.

Generative artificial intelligence (Gen-AI)

UOW researchers are responsible for ensuring their research meets the expectations of the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research and the UOW Code of Practice – Responsible Conduct of Research. UOW is committed to a culture of responsible research reflective of the 8 principles of research integrity – honesty, rigour, transparency, fairness, respect, recognition, accountability and promotion.

The potential of generative AI to support research is significant, however it is important to recognise that it also entails risks in terms of research integrity, data validity and data security. Before embarking on use of generative AI in conducting research activities, researchers should reflect on the principles of responsible research and ensure they:

  • Consider the limitations and risks of generative AI tools.
  • Exercise care and consideration, safeguarding against any breach of their legal or ethical obligations, particularly in relation to privacy and confidentiality.
  • Consider the ownership of their research outputs.

Data Privacy and Security    

The following types of data must not be provided to third party generative AI tools (e.g. ChatGPT):

  • data subject to privacy legislation (e.g. identifiable human data, private/personal information)
  • human research data (e.g. participant data collected in research). Please contact the Ethics Office for further advice.
  • controlled data (such as information on technology that appears on the Defence and Strategic Goods List. Providing detail to an AI tool hosted outside Australia would be considered exported and subject to legislative permit requirements)
  • commercial-in-confidence data or data protected by copyright or intellectual property
  • data that has been provided in confidence (such as religious or cultural knowledge or information related to the location of a vulnerable species)

Further information on the expectations and responsibilities for the management of research data can be found in the Research Data Management Policy.

Intellectual Property (IP), Copyright and Licensing Agreements

There are potential legal implications in relation to intellectual property, copyright and licensing agreements that need to be considered.

Data for training AI models may be sourced from user interactions. Once information is submitted to a third party AI tool which is hosted externally, it can be considered as part of the public domain. When researchers share data or information with an AI tool, they could effectively allow their ideas and research to be used by others without due recognition.

Submitting information to an AI tool which is subject to copyright (such as a journal article to be summarised) may be a violation of copyright regulations. Similarly, the content created by an AI tool could be subject to copyright; be the intellectual property of another; or the AI tool may not provide a citation to the original source or may fabricate sources and their citations.

Limitations of data produced by generative AI tools

The main source of data used by AI tools is material harvested from the internet. AI tools do not necessarily have access to the full archive of publications (behind paywalls) with their “knowledge” limited to publicly available information. The outputs of AI tools may amplify certain views, repeat controversial information, be biased, be outdated and produce statements that are not grounded in the training data (often called “hallucination”). If used in research, these outputs can lead to misleading or inaccurate findings.

In contemplating using an AI tool to generate data for research, consider the following:

  • Assess the data set used by the tool and well as the output generated, reviewing for inaccuracies, gaps, bias
  • Review the currency of the dataset – when was it last updated?
  • Review the training of the tool - how well has the tool has been trained?
  • Read any reviews of the tool – what are others reporting of their experience?
  • What level of reliability do you need to meet your requirements and maintain integrity?

Ethical Considerations

Researchers must meet the requirements of the national ethics guidelines and respect any project-specific conditions of consent, confidentiality obligations or other sensitivities. For example, data that is subject to privacy legislation (e.g. identifiable human data) or data that has been provided in confidence (such as religious or cultural knowledge or information related to the location of a vulnerable species).

Be accountable – generative AI cannot be an author

Authors of research outputs are all those, and only those, who have made a significant intellectual or scholarly contribution to the research and its output, and that agree to be listed as an author. Authors are also accountable for the research output and are required to disclose and manage any conflicts of interest. As Gen-AI tools cannot be held accountable for the output or disclose bias, they cannot be listed as an author.

UOW authorship policy

Committee on publication ethics (COPE) position statement

Be transparent - acknowledge use in research outputs

If an AI tool is used in the production of a research output for publication, be transparent and include a clear acknowledgement to indicate which AI tool was used, how the tool was used and any limitations. Metadata including the version of the tool and the date used should also be retained.

Check with individual publishers on any recent changes to their policy regarding the use and acknowledgement of AI tools in the production of journal articles.

Be fair - generative AI cannot be used in peer review

Researchers have a responsibility to participate in peer review in a way that is fair, rigorous and timely and maintains the confidentiality of the content. A peer review must be completed objectively, impartially, in accordance with review criteria and give proper consideration to current thinking.

In accordance with NHMRC and ARC policies, peer reviewers must not input any part of a grant application, or information from a grant application, into a generative AI tool. Entering information from a manuscript or grant application or thesis submitted for examination to an AI tool in order to generate a peer review would be considered a breach of confidentiality.

ARC policy on use of generative artificial intelligence in the ARC’s grants programs

NHMRC policy on use of generative artificial intelligence in grant applications and peer review

Peer review guideline

Be careful – using generative AI for editing

An AI tool presents an opportunity to improve the quality of writing, refinement of text and to assist with summarising. When AI tools are used for editing purposes, they may exclude or add content to the provided text or even, on occasion, produce 'hallucinations'. Further, they may not correct or may introduce grammatical errors or may generate statements with poor expressions. Researchers must take on the responsibility of carefully verifying the output. Use of editorial tools and/or editing services must be consistent with responsible research practices and acknowledged in research outputs.

In pursuit of better writing outcomes, it is crucial to consider the type of information and data that is being provided and whether this information is confidential, sensitive or subject to intellectual property regulations.

Australian standards for editing practice

Yes, potentially. Researchers are responsible for adhering to the applicable legislation, policies, guidelines and national statements that guide research. They must proceed with care and consideration of the principles and their responsibilities under the Code. Consider the following:

  • Use AI tools with a clear understanding that the tools have biases, limitations, risks and other associated problems.
  • Remain vigilant in the information released to third party platforms and consider the outcomes.
  • Researchers remain accountable for their research outputs.
  • Guidance on what constitutes responsible use in research is limited. What is considered an acceptable, or unacceptable, use of generative AI today may be perceived differently in the future.
  • Public trust is crucial for the future of research. Maintain integrity, transparency and honesty.

UOW has policies and procedures for the management of potential breaches in research:

About research integrity breaches at UOW

Australian Research Council (ARC)

National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC)

Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TESQA)

  • Using Generative AI in research – 10 tips released August 2023
  • Webinar: Generative AI: what do researchers need to know now? – in association with Deakin University in July 2023

Further information can be found on TEQSA’s good practice in AI webpage

Department of Industry, Science and Resources

Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE)

Policy statements on the use of AI tools in producing research publications have been issued by some publishers. Authors of research outputs are encouraged to check with the individual publisher in regard to their specific policy.

The Learning and Teaching hub has collated a collection of resources and information related to the impact of artificial intelligence on learning and teaching.

Artificial intelligence in education

Research Integrity Advisors (RIA) are the first point of contact if you have questions about responsible research practices. Staff and student researchers with questions, concerns or in need of guidance or advice are welcome to approach any RIA from any discipline. The Research Integrity and Ethics Unit also has staff available to assist with queries, concerns and advice.

As always, Information Management & Technology Services (IMTS) can be contacted on ex3000 (if calling from a UOW owned device), or 02 4221 3000 for assistance with software downloading and use.

This guidance will be updated as technology evolves. Any feedback on the advice offered here can be sent to the Research Integrity and Ethics Unit.

Conflicts of interest in research

WATCH VIDEO: CONFLICTS OF INTEREST IN RESEARCH AT UOW

Under the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research, 2018 ("the Code") a conflict of interest exists in a situation where an independent observer might reasonably conclude that the professional actions of a person are or may be unduly influenced by other interests. This refers to a financial or non-financial interest that may be a perceived, potential or actual conflict of interest.

The key principle that applies in the practice of responsible researching is Principle 3, Transparency. This principle includes the responsibility to disclose interests and manage conflicts of interest. The transparency principle is reinforced in Responsibility R24 which requires researchers to disclose and manage actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interest.

Conflicts of interest in research are common. With more diverse and global collaborations there is greater potential for overlapping interests coupled with increasing requirements to declare interests for reasons of national security. There is also increased scrutiny by journals, publishers, funders and the public who are demanding greater transparency.

The existence of a conflict of interest does not imply wrongdoing however to maintain trust in research it is essential that research activity is carried out (and is seen to be carried out) in an impartial and independent manner and is not compromised by any interests.

To avoid compromising research, responsible researchers:

  1. Disclose interests in a timely manner
  2. Update disclosures as they occur and disclose at least annually
  3. Maintain records related to the disclosure and how the disclosure is managed

A failure to disclose a relevant interest in relation to a research project or a failure to manage an interest as agreed are potential breaches of the Code. Potential breaches are managed in accordance with UOW’s Managing and Investigating Potential Breaches of the Research Code Policy.

Training:

The UOW Research Integrity Office maintains information and training for Conflicts of Interest in Research in Moodle (TRNG028_25) as well as offering micro-training in the Research Integrity Video Library in Moodle. The content is available to both staff and students.

UOW offers Conflict of Interest training to all staff via Unified.

Declarations:

The UOW Conflict of Interest Declaration Form and the Foreign Engagements Declaration Form can be found in the BPM forms section of the staff intranet.

Refer to the Help – Advice and Support Services section of this webpage for further assistance.

Frequently asked questions

The Australian Code of the Responsible Conduct of Research (“the Code”) provides the governance framework for Research Integrity at UOW. UOW’s Code of Practice – Responsible Conduct of Research mandates the broad principles and behaviours that characterise the responsible conduct of research. Researchers new to research and/or new to UOW are highly encouraged to familiarise themselves with both of these documents.

In addition, new researchers should consider the following:

Further information to assist researchers to research with integrity:

Want to know more or have a specific question?

Reach out to our Research Integrity Officer to learn more about Research Integrity and our approach at UOW. The Research Integrity Officer can also arrange specific training to meet your needs which can be as formal or informal as you require.

Alternatively, UOW has an established network of academic staff called Research Integrity Advisors who can assist you with discipline and research specific questions and concerns about integrity.

Refer to the About breaches, concerns and complaints section for further information and the Help – Advice and Support Services section for information on people available to help you.

Training and development

Available online anytime, this training provides a certificate of completion which can be used as evidence of completion of recognised research integrity training.

Academic staff researchers: Research Integrity – Core Training (TRNG008_25) – access via UOW Unified to add to training record

HDR Candidates: Research Integrity – Core Training (TRNG008_25)

Postgraduate/Honours/Undergraduate students: Research Integrity – Induction Training (TRNG047_22)

Professional staff:  Research Integrity – Induction Training (TRNG047_22)

Research Integrity Advisors (RIAs): Promoting Research Integrity: A Practical Guide for Research Integrity Advisors training is accessed free of charge via ARMS by joining the existing UOW corporate ARMS membership and then following the instructions.

Available online anytime and include a certificate of completion:

In your role you may also be required to complete related training in Academic Integrity, Research Data Management, Human Ethics, Animal Ethics, Defence Export Controls or other regulatory or safety training. 

Perfect for including into training programs or sharing in newsletters or school meetings, each micro-training topic in the Research Integrity Video Library (TRNG028_25) can be completed in under 10 minutes and includes options for further learning or reading. We routinely add to the library and advertise new releases via research newsletters.  

The  Researcher Education and Development Hub is a central portal for research staff to access all the development opportunities available to researchers.

The Graduate Researcher Education and Development webpage lists current development initiatives on offer to HDR candidates and contains links to the hub with current events and recordings of past sessions.

The Researcher Toolkit is a one-stop shop for information, tools and forms you need as a researcher and includes a calendar of events and key dates.

Bespoke training for your school or research group can be requested by contacting the Research Integrity Office to discuss your training needs. Training can be as formal or informal as required.

Help – advice and support services

  • Research Integrity Advisors on good or questionable research practices and the policy and processes for investigating a concern, complaint or potential breach
  • Faculty Research Operations Unit support the Associate Deans (Research) and provide Faculty support for research ethics and integrity. The team can also assist with directing researchers to their Faculty / School Associate Dean (Research), Associate Dean (Higher Degree Research), Head of Postgraduate Studies or Head of School.

  • Drop-in sessions:

If you have a concern related to your own research or in the research of others and wish to formally report, then you should submit via the Complaints Management Centre.

You can email or call the Research Integrity Office or our Research Integrity Advisor Network is available to all staff and students.

Additional help and support services are provided.

Lodging a complaint, responding to a complaint or being involved in a research integrity investigation can be challenging. UOW provides the following services to assist with a range of work and personal issues that may impact on you:

  • The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides staff with confidential counselling services designed to enhance the emotional, mental and general psychological well-being of employees
  • Student Support Coordinators can help with issues affecting student health and welfare and can help research students navigate the range of services and assistance available.
  • UOW Counselling Services is staffed by professional counsellors who offer free short-term confidential psychological intervention for students.
  • The Graduate Research School lists a range of HDR Support Contacts on their website

Contact the Research Integrity team

(02) 4221 4607 uow-researchintegrity@uow.edu.au
Looking for someone in particular? Meet the research services team