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Beyond Compliance: What actually is Research Integrity?
Research integrity sits at the heart of all credible research. Often researchers are embedding research integrity into their work without even knowing they are doing so.
In an era of increased collaboration, publication pressure, and rapidly developing technologies, such as AI, it is more important than ever that we uphold the principles of research integrity.
This blog post, by Research Integrity and Ethics Manager Charlotte Pettitt, explores what Research Integrity really is and what training and support is available to LBU researchers.
What is Research Integrity?
Research integrity refers to all of the factors that underpin good research practice and promote trust and confidence in the research process. Research integrity covers all disciplines of research and all sectors where research is carried out.
As signatory to the UK Concordat to support Research Integrity (2025), LBU has committed to maintaining five fundamental principles of Research Integrity:
- Honesty
- Rigour
- Transparency and Open Communication
- Care and Respect
- Accountability
UKRIO's five principles of Research Integrity, available at ukrio.org/research-integrity/what-is-research-integrity/
What is the Concordat to Support Research Integrity?
The Concordat to Support Research Integrity sets out the framework that the UK Research Community should follow to uphold the trustworthiness of UK research. Its aim is to align expectations around research integrity across all aspects of the research lifecycle (funders, research organisations, researchers etc.) and this will help to improve practice.
The Concordat is split into five commitments:
- Maintaining the highest standards of research integrity – the principles
- Maintaining the highest standards of research integrity – expectations and compliance
- Embedding a culture of research integrity
- Questionable research practices and potential research misconduct
- Accountability and continuous improvement in research integrity
The Concordat was revised in 2025 to refresh the terminology, make the language more understandable and to ensure it remains fit for purpose.
Where can I learn more about Research Integrity?
As an institution LBU is a subscriber to the UK Research Integrity Office (UKRIO). They play a central role in promoting integrity and high ethical standards in research across the UK.
They have lots of resources available here: Resources - UK Research Integrity Office
Such as videos from Sir Patrick Vallance on ‘Perspectives on Research Integrity’, Dr Nicholas Gold from UCL on ‘Social Media and Ethics’ and Dr Simon Kolstoe, Chair of MODREC on ‘Research Integrity, Ethics, Governance and Culture – what’s the difference and does it matter?’
There are lots of other types of resources such as guidance documents on ‘Embracing AI with Integrity’, Authorship Integrity Toolkits, Resource pages for Open Research, AI in research and Mental Health and Wellbeing in Academia and much more!
Can I do any training on Research Integrity?
As a subscriber institution to UKRIO, LBU researchers can enrol on their ‘Introduction to Research Integrity Online Training Course’.
You can access this through our Researcher Development staff webpage, under 'External on demand'.
This course offers a solid foundation in research integrity principles alongside practical guidance for navigating real world challenges with confidence.
This course is suitable for researchers at all career stages including supervisors and research leaders or professional services staff supporting or managing research. It will help strengthen the quality, effectiveness and integrity of your work.
For further information, contact ResearcherDevelopment@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Do UKRIO offer any other training courses?
LBU have full access to UKRIO’s online training suite.
They have very recently released an exceptionally valuable course of training for anyone working with human participants.
The materials offers practical, interactive courses focused on ethical challenges researchers face in real life.
All colleagues and PGRs can access the following courses directly:
- Course 1: Introduction to the ethics of research involving human participants
- Course 2: Navigating emotionally challenging or sensitive research
- Course 3: Research with children and young people
These courses are worth the time for anyone working with human participants in any capacity, but particularly those working with potentially more vulnerable participants.
Please note: Registration for these courses closes in May 2026, but once registered, you have 12 months to complete the training.
You can access these courses through our Researcher Development staff webpage, under ‘External on demand’.
Is there any LBU specific training?
A few years ago, a member of UKRIO, David Carpenter, delivered a session specifically for LBU around Research Ethics and Integrity.
This pre-recorded session provides a clear introduction to the role of ethics within research and higher education, covering:
The role of ethics in society and the HE sector
The purpose and remit of research ethics committees
Researchers’ responsibilities in ethics, research practice and integrity
This is a useful starting point for those new to research ethics or those seeking a refresher.
You can access this on our Researcher Development staff webpage, under ‘Pre-recorded development and training sessions’.
Are there any other organisations I could look to for information?
The Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA) has recently launched a new introductory course on Responsible Research Assessment (RRA). This is useful for anyone working across research, research leadership, research administration, funding, publishing or metrics.
The course supports colleagues in challenging assumptions about research quality and impact, and in building confidence to advocate for more responsible approaches.
You can access this through the Researcher Development staff webpage, under 'External on demand'.
The UK Reproducibility Network (UKRN) has a wide range of practical guidance to support good research practice.
UKRN is a peer-led national consortium dedicated to improving the robustness, transparency and reproducibility of research across all disciplines with the UK.
Their resource hub includes checklists, toolkits, reports and discipline specific resources.
You can also find Open Research resources at the OER (Open Educational Resources) UKRN page.
Who can I contact for more information?
Charlotte Pettitt, the Research Ethics and Integrity Manager within Research and Enterprise Services can help with any questions or queries you have around Research Integrity. Contact Charlotte on c.c.pettitt@leedsbeckett.ac.uk or through the Research Integrity inbox researchintegrity@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
You can also speak with your local Director of Research to see if there is anything your school has available which is more discipline specific.
Charlotte Pettitt
Charlotte Pettitt is Research Integrity and Ethics Manager within the Research and Enterprise Service at LBU.
