New policy for responsible research

In December 2011 Canada’s three federal research granting agencies launched the new Tri-Agency Framework: Responsible Conduct of Research. To meet the institutional requirements outlined in the Framework, Concordia is instituting the new Policy for the Responsible Conduct of Research (VPRGS-12), and a related document entitled Procedures for the Inquiry and Investigation of Allegations of Research Misconduct.

Senate approved the new policy and procedures on May 18, 2012.

Concordia's researchers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the university's new Policy for the Responsible Conduct of Research.

Justin Powlowski, interim director of the Office of Research, says the federal agencies had given research institutions, including Concordia, a deadline to modify existing policies or put new policies in place to support the Tri-Agency Framework. “We now have those official policies in place, so our researchers need to be aware of that, and where to find them,” he says.

Concordia’s new Policy for the Responsible Conduct of Research is “intended to ensure the integrity of research conducted throughout the university.”

It outlines the responsibilities of the researcher and the university in ensuring the integrity of all research conducted at Concordia. It also defines what constitutes a breach of policy and explains how the university will treat such breaches.

Powlowski says it’s important that researchers understand that, in keeping with the new Tri-Agency Framework, applicants for research grants at Concordia are now required to complete a Consent to Disclosure of Personal Information. In the case of a substantiated, serious breach of the Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) guidelines or policies, the agencies may publicly disclose the name of the researcher, the name of his or her institution, and the nature of the misconduct.

The funding bodies insist that both members of the research community, and the Canadian taxpayers who support them “have a right to know that research is conducted responsibly,” and that effective measures are in place to address and expose breaches of agency policy.

Related links:
•    "New framework outlines rules for research" — NOW, January 18, 2012
•    Tri-Agency Framework for the Responsible Conduct of Research
•    Concordia’s Policy for the Responsible Conduct of Research
•    Procedures for the Inquiry and Investigation of Allegations of Research Misconduct