(1) The Macquarie University Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research (Macquarie Research Code) is in place to ensure that research being undertaken under the auspices of Macquarie University is conducted with the highest standards of ethics, responsibility and integrity. This document articulates: (2) The application of these principles and responsibilities to various research processes are further detailed in accompanying Standards and/or related policies. Researchers must familiarise themselves with and abide by these to ensure that best practice is applied. (3) Macquarie University, along with the Australian and international community, expects research to be conducted responsibly, ethically and with the highest standards of integrity. (4) The Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research, 2018 (Australian Code) authored by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), the Australian Research Council (ARC) and Universities Australia, establishes a framework for responsible research conduct that provides a foundation for high-quality research, credibility and community trust in the research endeavour. (5) The broad principles and responsibilities outlined in the Australian Code to characterise an honest, ethical and conscientious research culture have been adopted in full in this document, the Macquarie University Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research (Macquarie Research Code), and are expected to be applied to the conduct of all research under the auspices of Macquarie University. (6) This document should be read in conjunction with the related University policies and standards (listed under Procedural Standards and Key Related Policies Clause 29). (7) The Macquarie Research Code applies to anyone who conducts research or research support under the auspices of Macquarie University. (8) This includes, but is not limited to, all academic staff, professional staff, students, and technical staff, as well as visiting academics and conjoint appointees, who are involved in research or the support of research under the auspices of Macquarie University, regardless of their location. (9) In the conduct of research, researchers must be aware of and abide by the Macquarie Research Code, accompanying standards, related University policies and procedures, all applicable laws, legislation, guidelines, codes of conduct and project agreements. (10) The Macquarie Research Code does not outline or incorporate the laws, regulations, guidelines and other codes of practice that may apply to the conduct of research. Researchers are expected to be aware of, and comply with, those that are applicable to their research. (11) The Macquarie Research Code and associated documents will be reviewed periodically, or when changes are made to related policies, the Australian Code, the Guide to Managing and Investigating Potential Breaches of the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research 2018 (Australian Guide), or to the guides issued by the NHMRC, ARC and Universities Australia. (12) Macquarie University expects the following core principles to be applied to the conduct of research: (13) Researchers must uphold the principles of responsible research conduct in all aspects of their research. To this end, researchers must meet the following responsibilities: (14) Information describing how the principles and responsibilities of the Macquarie Research Code must be applied to specific research processes at Macquarie University are detailed in the following standards and policies which align with the expectations outlined in guides issued by the NHMRC, Australian Research Council (ARC) and Universities Australia. (15) Researchers are expected to abide by all University policies and standards that apply to their research. (16) A breach may arise where a researcher has failed to meet the principles and responsibilities of the Macquarie Research Code (including failing to meet the relevant standard or policy). Breaches occur on a spectrum from minor to more serious breaches. A breach of the Macquarie Research Code which is considered serious and is also intentional or reckless or negligent may be considered research misconduct. (17) All researchers have an obligation to report possible breaches in accordance with the Macquarie University Research Code Complaints, Breaches and Investigation Procedure. Self-disclosure of breaches is strongly encouraged. (18) The Macquarie University Research Code Complaints, Breaches and Investigation Procedure describes how potential or actual breaches from the principles and responsibilities outlined in the Macquarie Research Code and accompanying standards should be reported, assessed, investigated and managed. (19) Macquarie University will foster and encourage a culture of responsible research conduct by implementing the following institutional responsibilities as listed in the Australian Code: (20) Commonly defined terms are located in the University Glossary. The following definitions have been adapted and modified from the Australian Code:Macquarie University Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research
Section 1 - Purpose
Background
Scope
Section 2 - Code
Part A - Principles of Responsible Research
Part B - Key Responsibilities
Part C - Procedural Standards and Key Related Policies
Standards
Policies
Part D - Complaints and Breaches
Part E - Institutional Responsibilities
Top of PageSection 3 - Definitions
Abbreviations
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Conflict of Interest Policy
Term
Definition
3Rs
The 3Rs are three principles that underpin a systematic framework to achieve the goal of humane experimental techniques. The principles are:
Breach
A failure to meet the principles and responsibilities of the Macquarie Research Code (including failing to meet the standards accompanying the Macquarie Research Code). Breaches occur on a spectrum from minor to more serious breaches. A serious breach of the Macquarie Research Code which is also intentional or reckless or negligent constitutes research misconduct.
Conflict of interest
A conflict of interest refers to circumstances in which someone’s personal interests may conflict with their professional obligations. A conflict of interest exists when a reasonable person might perceive that an individual’s personal interest(s) could be favoured over their professional obligations.
Macquarie Research Code Procedure
The Macquarie University Research Code Complaints, Breaches and Investigation Procedure (Macquarie Research Code Procedure) outlines the process for managing complaints, concerns or allegations, regarding the conduct of research and describes how potential or actual departures from the principles and responsibilities outlined in the Macquarie University Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research, should be reported, assessed, investigated and managed.
Peer review
Peer review is the impartial and independent assessment of research by others with appropriate expertise.
Research
The concept of research is broad and includes the creation of new knowledge and / or the use of existing knowledge in a new and creative way so as to generate new concepts, methodologies, inventions and understandings. This could include synthesis and analysis of previous research to the extent that it is new and creative.
Research misconduct
A serious breach of the Macquarie Research Code which is also intentional or reckless or negligent. Refer to the Managing and Investigating Breaches of Responsible Research Conduct Procedure for more information.
Research data
Research data includes, but is not limited to, primary materials or information held in any format or media, on which an argument, theory, test or hypothesis, or another research output is based. Research data may be in the form of facts, observations, images, computer program results, recordings, questionnaires / surveys, biographies, audio files, physical specimens or artefacts, measurements, experiences or various other forms. Data may be numerical, descriptive, visual or tactile and could be raw, cleaned or analysed.
Research output
Any record that communicates or makes available the findings of research. A research output may be in any form (hardcopy, electronic, creative work or other) of academic or public communication of the research from any stage of the research process (eg. including but not limited to: a professional blog, web-based publications, books, performances, book chapters, Higher Degree Research thesis chapters, conference papers, reports, datasets or journal articles).
Researcher
Any person (or persons) who conducts, or assists with the conduct of, research under the auspices of Macquarie University - may include staff members (academic and professional), visiting students, visiting fellows, volunteers, honorary and adjunct title holders, Emerita/us Professors, occupational trainees and any student in any course at the University who conducts or assists with the conduct of research at or on behalf of the University.
A member of Macquarie University staff who has been nominated by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) to promote the responsible conduct of research and provide advice to those with concerns or complaints about potential breaches of the Macquarie Research Code. Research Integrity Advisors are people with research experience, wisdom, analytical skills, empathy, knowledge of the University’s policy and management structure, and familiarity with the accepted practices in research.
Abbreviation
Definition
National Health and Medical Research Council
ARC
Australian Code
Australian Guide
Macquarie Research Code
Macquarie University Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research
Macquarie Research Code Procedure
Macquarie University Research Code Complaints, Breaches and Investigation Procedure