Research Integrity tools for RFOs

Research Funding Organisations (RFOs), both public and private, are key actors in the research ecosystem and have a unique role in supporting a culture of RI. They can do this both through innovations in their working practices and by promoting appropriate policies and governance arrangements for RI in RPOs. Therefore, we encourage all RFOs to develop and implement a comprehensive Research Integrity Promotion Plan (RIPP). A RIPP addresses both internal organisation procedures and RFOs’ expectations and relations with RPOs and the research community and underpins the RIPPs being developed by RPOs. A RIPP is aligned with both national and international regulations, and can be tailored to support the mission, disciplinary focus, local context, and organisational needs of the RFO.

EXTERNAL EXPECTATIONS

COMPLIANCE with RI

RFOs should require applicants to adhere to the current regulations and codes of conduct for RI and to be informed about potential breaches and the outcome of misconduct investigations associated with its funding.

EXPECTATIONS for RPOs

It is recommended that in research grant application forms RFOs add a section in which RPOs briefly describe their existing or emerging RIPP.

INTERNAL PROCEDURES

GRANT ASSESSMENT

Procedures for the assessment of grant applications should be fully transparent, and assessment criteria should be in line with the principles outlined in the European Code of Conduct for RI.

DECLARATION of CONFLICTS

A Declaration of Interest form should be completed by applicants and peer reviewers. In addition, an RFO should state clearly that it does not accept any internal and external interference in the selection of grant applications.

MONITORING GRANTS

RFOs should be transparent about the policies and processes used to monitor funded grants.

INTERNAL BREACHES of RI

The RFO should establish procedures to address potential breaches of RI standards by its own staff, committee members, and external peer reviewers.