Transformation, Planning & Assurance

Responsible Conduct of Research

The Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research establishes a framework for the Responsible Conduct of Research.

The UNSW Salivary Bioscience Research Centre (SBRC) within the School of Psychology provides researchers and industry with access to high-quality saliva testing services.

The Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research (the Australian Code) provides a foundation for high-quality research, credibility and community trust in the research endeavour. Institutional compliance with the Australian Code is a prerequisite for receipt of funding by the National Health and Medical Research Council and the Australian Research Council.1


The UNSW Research Code of Conduct

UNSW has implemented the UNSW Research Code of Conduct (The Research Code) to meet this obligation and to foster its ongoing commitment to the Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR).

The Research Code applies to all UNSW Researchers conducting Research. This includes:

  • Coursework and Research Candidates or Research Trainees
  • Research staff
  • Visiting and conjoint/adjunct appointees
  • Professional/non-academic staff undertaking research or a research function.

The Research Code sets out 8 principles which are the hallmarks of RCR, as well as specific responsibilities which all UNSW researchers must comply with throughout all stages of their research and related activities.
View Research Code of Conduct PDF

The 8 principles of RCR

  • HONESTY in the development, undertaking and reporting of research
  • RIGOUR in the development, undertaking and reporting of research
  • TRANSPARENCY in declaring interest and reporting research methodologies, data and findings
  • FAIRNESS in the treatment of others
  • RESPECT for research participants, the wider community, animals and the environment
  • RECOGNITION of the right of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to be engaged in research that affects or is of significance to them
  • ACCOUNTABILITY for the development, undertaking and reporting of research
  • PROMOTION of responsible research practices

Breaches of the Research Code

UNSW recognises that most UNSW researchers demonstrate behaviours consistent with the Research Code. However, UNSW will manage any suspected or potential breaches of the Research Code in accordance with the UNSW Research Misconduct Procedure.

UNSW researchers must report suspected breaches of the Research Code.
Report now

Other RCR policies and procedures

The Australian Code is also supported by guides on specific topics related to RCR which UNSW has implemented. All UNSW researchers must be familiar with these.
View documents

Public statements

From time to time the University may issue public statements related to the Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR).

  1. Group of Eight (Go8) Statement on the use of animals in research
  2. Professor Levon Khachigian

Helpful information

Research integrity

UNSW expects the highest standards of integrity across all aspects of research conducted UNSW researchers. Here are some resources to assist you in meeting these standards.

Conduct & integrity

The Conduct and Integrity Office (CIO) in the Division of Planning and Assurance is responsible for ensuring respect and integrity underpin the pursuit of knowledge at UNSW.

Complaints at UNSW

At UNSW, we take all complaints very seriously and have dedicated complaint management systems and process in place to seek effective fast and effective resolutions.

iThenticate

iThenticate is plagiarism software that is available to UNSW researchers to detect review and assess research outputs. The software assists researchers to detect plagiarised material in draft manuscripts and Higher Degree Research (HDR) student theses prior to submission.

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[1] Australian Government, National Health and Medical Research Council