Index
Research integrity
RMIT University aims to provide an environment for high quality research conducted ethically and responsibly. All staff engaged in research at RMIT must comply with the RMIT Research Code.
RMIT Research Code (RMIT Code of Conduct for Research)
The RMIT Research Code is one of RMIT’s responses to the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research – a guide for institutions and researchers in responsible research practices.
The Australian Code promotes integrity in research and explains what is expected of researchers by the community, as well as providing guidance on how to manage departures from best research practice.
The RMIT Research Code outlines requirements for responsible research conduct in the following areas:
- Research data and records
- Authorship
- Publication and dissemination
- Supervision of students undertaking research
- Conflict of interest
- Misconduct
RMIT will systematically review the University’s adherence to the Australian Code and oversee the development of programs and resources to educate staff and students about responsible conduct of research.
What are my responsibilities as a researcher at RMIT?
As a researcher at RMIT, you are required to conduct your research with honesty, integrity, respect and professionalism.
This means you need to:
- show respect for humans, animals and the environment
- appropriately acknowledge the role of others
- use appropriate methods for achieving the aim of the research proposal, and follow proper practices for safety and security
- adhere to authorship guidelines
- disseminate results accurately and responsibly, encouraging open presentation and discussion
- ensure that ambition and personal advantage do not compromise ethical or scholarly considerations
- retain clear and accurate research records in a secure, durable and retrievable form
- subject to confidentiality and other constraints, allow research records to be referenced by other interested parties
- familiarise yourself with the RMIT Research Code and observe its provisions.
What is research misconduct?
Research misconduct refers to intentional breaches of the RMIT Research Code. Instances of misconduct include but are not limited to:
- the fabrication or falsification of data or results
- the use of another person’s ideas, work or data without appropriate acknowledgement
- misleading ascription of authorship
- failure to declare and manage serious conflicts of interest
- In the case of an alleged breach of the RMIT Research Code, refer to the handling allegations of research misconduct procedure.
If you have any queries about what is acceptable and what is not acceptable under the RMIT Research Code, confidential advice can be sought from RMIT’s Research Integrity Advisors.