Promoting Research on Research Integrity in Canada

Abstract

Research on research integrity is an important element in building a strong national research integrity framework. There is a lack of empirical evidence and conceptual research on research integrity in Canada. To further strengthen and develop our system of research integrity, we believe that greater support is needed to promote research on research integrity. Research on research integrity is imperative in order to gain a richer understanding of the diversity of responsible conduct of research norms, practices, education and policies from a Canadian perspective. The knowledge gained would help in the development of an evidenced-based and responsive Canadian system of research integrity.

Keywords:

• education
• governance
• research on research integrity
• responsible conduct of research

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND DECLARATIONS

We are researchers who study issues related to research ethics, governance, professional ethics, and research integrity, and so we have a vested interest in research on research integrity. Master was previously an employee of Health Canada where he developed Health Canada's Scientific Integrity Framework and served as secretariat to the Canadian Research Integrity Committee. McDonald's research on the ethical conduct of research involving humans is funded by grants from the Canadian Institutes for Health Research. Williams-Jones' research on conflict of interest and professional ethics is funded by grants from Quebec Fonds de recherche sur la société et la culture, and the Ethics Office of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. We would like to thank Professor Timothy Caulfield for helpful feedback. The views expressed here are those of the authors; they do not reflect the positions of Health Canada, the Canadian Research Integrity Forum, the Government of Canada or the author's respective academic institutions.