Research Integrity and Ethics

Research Integrity

Research Ethics

Liverpool Hope University fully embraces the The Concordat to Support Research Integrity and expects the highest possible standards for research integrity from all those involved in research under its auspices.

The whole research community at Hope shares the responsibility for promoting and delivering good research. Researchers strive for the highest achievable standards in the planning, conduct and reporting of their research and demonstrate integrity in their dealings with others. Hope, as a signatory to The Concordat to Support Research Integrity, fosters a research culture that supports and embeds good research practice in all its endeavours.

Hope’s research ethics policies, guidelines and procedures clarify the roles and responsibilities of researchers; they make sure that appropriate resources and skills are in place and they aim to prevent research misconduct. Thus, Hope’s culture of research ethics ensures the highest standards of rigour and integrity.

UKRIO

What is the UK Research Integrity Office?

The UK Research Integrity Office is an independent advisory body, offering support to the public, researchers, and organisations to further good practice in research. A registered charity, it was created in response to longstanding and growing concerns about the reliability of research.

UKRIO is the UK’s most experienced research integrity organisation. Since 2006, it has provided independent and expert support across all disciplines of research, from the arts and humanities to the life sciences. It works to enhance good research practice, address mistakes, questionable practices, and fraud, and improve the culture and systems of UK research.

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.

Research integrity covers all research and the whole lifecycle, from the initial idea and design of the project through the conduct of the research and its dissemination. It also covers making sure that environments and systems for research safeguard and enhance good research practice, rather than hinder it – often described as ‘research culture‘.

See here for more about research integrity.

What can UKRIO offer researchers?

Education – guidance and support through publications on research practice, training activities and a comprehensive events programme

Resources

Events

YouTube

Sharing best practice – clear and honest development for the research community through facilitated discussions about key issues, informing national and international initiatives and working to improve research culture.

Expert guidance – confidential and expert advice and guidance, as a proactive service for both institutions and individual researchers, as well as in response to requests for assistance.

Get confidential advice on research integrity and research culture issues for example achieving good practice, publication ethics, research misconduct, research ethics, conflicts of interest and improving research culture.

UK Research Integrity Office Code or Practice for Research

San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA)

By endorsing DORA, we are committing to the responsible assessment of research that emphasises quality, originality and real-world impact, rather than reliance on journal-based metrics such as Journal Impact Factors.

We recognise and value:

- The full range of research outputs, including datasets, software, policy engagement, practice-based outputs and public scholarship.
- Fair and transparent processes in recruitment, promotion and research funding.
- Ongoing development of responsible research assessment across our academic community.

This step is aligned with our mission to advance research, scholarship and knowledge exchange that is rigorous, inclusive and relevant to society. As part of the global movement towards better research evaluation, Liverpool Hope University is committed to fostering a supportive and diverse research environment where excellence is defined by the value of the work, not simply where it is published or by citation indices.

Further infor mation about DORA can be found here.

Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (CoARA)

This commitment reflects our ongoing work to create a research culture that values integrity, diversity, and meaningful impact. By endorsing CoARA, we support reforming research assessment to ensure that all research contributions are recognised and evaluated fairly. As a CoARA member, Liverpool Hope University is committed to:

- Recognising a broad range of research outputs and activities, including contributions to open science, teaching, leadership, and engagement with society.
- Prioritising expert peer review, supported by the responsible use of quantitative indicators, in evaluating research quality and impact.
- Avoiding reliance on journal-based metrics (such as Journal Impact Factor) and individual citation metrics (such as h-index) as proxies for research excellence.
- Ensuring fairness, transparency, and accountability in all research assessment processes, including recruitment, promotion, and funding decisions.
- Supporting our staff and research community through training, guidance, and ongoing review of assessment practices to reflect evolving best practice.

This endorsement is part of our broader commitment to responsible research practice, academic excellence, and the delivery of research that benefits both the academic community and wider society.

Further information about CoARA can be found here.

The Concordat to Support Research Integrity

Those involved in research are expected to adhere to the principles drawn from the UK Research Integrity Office Code or Practice for Research. These are outlined in the University's and embedded in the University's Research Integrity Statement of Principles and embedded in the University's Research, Scholarship and Knowledge Exchange (RS&KE) Strategy.

In compliance with the Concordat, the University has published statements below:

Research Integrity Statement 2023-24

Liverpool Hope University's core ethical principles stress the need to (a) do good (known as beneficence) and (b) do no harm (known as non-malfeasance). Therefore, Hope requires all researchers, whether staff or students, to ensure that their research is designed and conducted to the highest standards possible. Additionally, they should abide by the research ethics guidelines of their professional bodies, local and national governments.

Hope’s researchers apply and obtain ethical clearances for all types of research. From text-based research which does not involve any human groups to research with non-vulnerable or vulnerable human groups.

The University Research Ethics Sub-Committee is responsible for oversight of all matters relating to research ethics across the University and for the implementation and updating of the University ethics policy. It’s Chair is a professor and member of Senate. Its membership includes invited chairpersons of Faculty Research Ethics Committees, an experienced member of staff from another UK Higher Education Institution and at least one nominated representative of the postgraduate students, The University Research Ethics Sub-Committee reports to the University Research Committee and remains accountable to the Council Standing Committee on Research Ethics, which meets annually.

The University Research Ethics Sub-Committee meets at least once a term to receive reports from the Faculty Research Ethics Committees and to consider any specific cases brought forward by the Faculties. It also keeps the ethics policy under review and ensures that systems are in place to provide training and guidance for staff.

You can complete the relevant application for ethical clearance form online Here or by logging on to MyHope and accessing the My Research section. In that section, you will find an option entitled "Research Ethics".

Professor Neil Ferguson

Chair

Policies

Research Ethics Policy

Trusted Research Guidance for Academics

Human Tissue Research Policy

Apply for Ethical Clearance Here