ABSTRACT

Most researchers presumably set out to conduct research with integrity. There are, of course, exceptions. Estimates are that as many as one in every 100 researchers in the United States deliberately engages in what colleagues believe is serious misbehavior (Martinson, Anderson, & de Vries, 2005). However, the other 99 presumably do the best they can, balancing needs and pressures with their understanding of what is, in some countries, called “good research practice” (GRP), and in others the “responsible conduct of research” (RCR). Researchers also agree that the standards for “good” or “responsible” practice should be set very high. In its 2001 report on conflict of interest, the American Association of Universities urged the “leaders of the academic community to ensure that research conducted on our campuses meets the highest standards of ethics and integrity and promotes the public health” (American Association of Universities, 2001). The European Commissioner for Science and Research, Janez Potočnik, urged colleagues to think in terms of the “highest standards of integrity” in his 2007 presentation at the First World Conference on Research Integrity (Potočnik, 2007). In principle, high standards for integrity in research are generally expected. However, translating this expectation into practice is not as easy as one might expect. This chapter evaluates the global structures currently in place for setting and maintaining standards for integrity in research, with particular attention to governments, research institutions, and research professionals. The chapter opens with thoughts on what is meant by “integrity” and closes with suggestions for further steps to foster integrity in research around the world.