The UK Research Integrity Office (UKRIO) is an independent body which offers advice and guidance to universities, other research organisations and individual researchers on the conduct of research.

Hosted by Universities UK and supported by government and the major funders and regulators of health and biomedical research, our aims are to: 

• Promote the good governance, management and conduct of research;
• Share good practice on how to address misconduct in research; and
• Give advice and guidance on specific cases.

Although our formal remit is to provide support to the health and biomedical sciences research community, since our inception we have given advice and guidance to universities, NHS institutions, other research organisations and individual researchers across all subject areas.

Our programme of work

Advice and guidance for universities

UKRIO was created to provide advice and support to universities and the wider UK research community. We regularly give confidential guidance to universities and individual researchers.  Issues covered include the promotion and support of good practice in research, general guidance about how to address research misconduct, and advice on specific cases of alleged misconduct. 

UKRIO regularly works with university Research Offices and Human Resources Departments to help investigate and resolve cases of suspected misconduct and we also provide specialist advisers as external members on panels investigating such allegations.

Since the publication of UKRIO’s Procedure for the Investigation of Misconduct in Research (see below), there has been an exponential increase in the number of cases brought to UKRIO's attention. We treat all requests for advice in the strictest confidence. To seek advice or to raise concerns about possible misconduct in research, call 0844 770 0644 or email helpline@ukrio.org .

Procedure for the Investigation of Research Misconduct

In September 2008, UKRIO launched our Procedure for the Investigation of Research Misconduct, which has been adopted by a number of institutions and NHS organisations and used by others when reviewing their existing mechanisms to address misconduct.  A formal survey about its uptake and use is planned for 2010. 

Code of Practice for Research: Promoting good practice and preventing misconduct

UKRIO has launched its Code of Practice for Research: Promoting good practice and preventing misconduct.

The Code addresses long-standing concerns in the research community about research misconduct and questionable practices. The UK has a world-class reputation for conducting exceptional and innovative research and for producing researchers of the highest calibre.

UKRIO has now produced the Code of Practice for Research, a reference tool to support researchers and research organisations in the conduct of research of the highest quality. The Code can help research organisations ensure that important issues have not been overlooked and applies to all types of research.

Drawing upon UKRIO's experiences in addressing good conduct and misconduct in research, the Code provides principles and standards for researchers and research organisations and also includes a Recommended Checklist for Researchers: a one-page, non-technical checklist for the key points of good practice in research, based on the more detailed standards provided by the Code.

Professor Sir Ian Kennedy, Chair of the Board of UKRIO said:
"UKRIO is increasingly providing support to universities and NHS Trusts who recognise that research misconduct and questionable practices can tarnish the UK's well-earned reputation as a centre of excellence in research. The Code is a vital part of our continuing work to encourage good conduct in research and to help to prevent misconduct, setting out the responsibilities and values critical to research, as well as providing practical guidance for researchers and their employers."

Professor Michael Farthing, Vice-Chair of the Board of UKRIO and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sussex said:

“I am sure this code will be of practical help to researchers and research offices and really hope it is used on a day-to-day basis. The checklist will be particularly useful. Research involves many complex processes and we do not always remember to do everything!”

Professor Dame Sally C. Davies, Director-General of Research and Development at the Department of Health said:
"I am delighted to see the UK Research Integrity Office continuing to deliver tools that enable researchers and their employers to maintain this country's international reputation in research and innovation. We rely on excellent, sound research to improve health and healthcare for patients and their families."

Individuals and organisations who would like to receive a hard copy of the Code should contact UKRIO.

The Code and a separate version of the Recommended Checklist are also available as PDFs on UKRIO’s website, www.ukrio.org 

Press release: UKRIO Code of Practice for Research press release 01 10 09.pdf

For more information, please visit our page on the Code of Practice for Research.

Education and training

 UKRIO is running joint courses with King's College London to provide training in implementing the UKRIO Procedure and fostering good practice in research. The two-day course features speakers who have responsibility for fostering good practice in research and investigating research misconduct with universities and representatives from UKRIO. Training will include a variety of case studies, practitioners relating their own experiences, and opportunities for delegates to share experiences and consider how research integrity is best supported in different contexts. 

The future of UKRIO

Although UKRIO was set up in the first instance to provide support to the health and biomedical science research community, since its inception we have also provided support across other subject areas.

We are working with stakeholders to explore ways to secure the future of the project and the formal expansion of its remit across all subject disciplines.

UKRIO is also collaborating closely with other organisations, such as RCUK and the Department of Health, to avoid duplication of effort and, ultimately, to ensure clear and unified guidance for the UK research community.

Contact Us

James Parry – Acting Head
Tel: 020 7419 5498
Email: james.parry@universitiesuk.ac.uk

Eleanor Partridge – Project Adminstrator
Tel: 020 7419 5497
Email: eleanorp@universitiesuk.ac.uk