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Research integrity and good scientific practices

Research integrity involves the observance and promotion of ethical principles and professional responsibilities in the exercise of research, which inspire and guarantee good scientific practices.

 

There is no international consensus on the exact definition of "research integrity", despite the increasing number of countries with national offices, agencies or other institutional structures concerned with research integrity, as well as national and transnational networks, forums, and international conferences on the subject.

Research integrity corresponds to a standard of conduct in research, characterized by the observance and promotion of ethical and deontological principles that inspire and guarantee rigorous and responsible practices.

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Integridad científica

Declaration by the CSIC Ethics Committee on the COVID-19 pandemic

National Declaration on Research Integrity

Good scientific practises

Good practises are a series of individual and organisational actions and behaviours based on the fundamental values of science, that express the principles and responsibilities that scientific integrity implies. Good scientific practices support responsible conduct in research. 

Conflicts of interests

Conflicts of interest arise in situations where the proper performance of public professional obligations and responsibilities, professional criteria or judgement, or undertaking the institutional mission may be unduly influenced by private or secondary interests. Conflicts of interest should NOT be classified as research malpractice, but if not managed properly they clearly represent a threat to research integrity.

Deviations from scientific good practises

In the undertaking of scientific research there are numerous conducts that do not comply with rigorous and responsible practices. These can be categorized according to the effects and consequences that are derived. The most serious violations of good scientific practice are fabrication and falsification, although plagiarism is also commonly recognised as research misconduct.  In addition to fabrication, falsification and plagiarism, there are other unacceptable practices that, without falsifying or distorting the recording of data and results, likewise constitute irresponsible and, therefore, undesirable behaviour.

Other relevant documents

Authors' responsibilities in multidisciplinary publications.