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.

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.

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.

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