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Research Integrity Policy

The purpose of this policy is to promote and support research integrity and safeguard confidence in the value of publicly funded research by:

  • making transparent the ARC’s role in ensuring research integrity and addressing breaches of the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research (2018) (the Code);
  • establishing a framework to support the integrity of the ARC’s grant application, peer review, grant selection and research evaluation processes, funding decisions and research; and
  • raising awareness of the importance of research integrity and the possible consequences for research institutions and individuals if appropriate standards are not maintained.

The policy outlines requirements for institutions, and individuals engaged in ARC business, to report to the ARC research integrity matters, and the action the ARC may take in response to reported breaches of the Code. It also describes how the ARC can refer concerns or complaints to research institutions, who, in accordance with the Code, are responsible for managing and investigating potential breaches of the Code.

PDF format (607KB) - Word format (330KB)

The current version of the policy was released in June 2021.
 

For queries or to report an allegation

The ARC Research Integrity Office is the point of contact for all matters within the scope of this policy, and is responsible for all associated administrative arrangements within the ARC. Individuals or institutions with questions regarding any matters in this policy, or anyone wishing to report an allegation, may contact the ARC Research Integrity Officer.

By phone
02 6287 6600
Please ask for the Research Integrity Office.

By email
researchintegrity@arc.gov.au

By mail
The Research Integrity Office
The Australian Research Council
GPO Box 2702
CANBERRA ACT 2601

 

Research Integrity Review Committee

Under the policy, the ARC may take precautionary and consequential actions if it considers that the integrity of its peer review processes, grant selection processes, funding recommendations and research outcomes have the potential to be compromised.

An ARC Research Integrity Review Committee has been formed to consider and make recommendations on precautionary and consequential actions. 

Terms of reference

The RIR Committee will assist the ARC in considering and taking action under Section 7.1 of the ARC Research Integrity Policy (2019). In doing so the RIR Committee will:

  • make recommendations to the Senior Research Integrity Officer on precautionary and consequential actions in response to research integrity and research misconduct matters in accordance with Section 7.1 of the ARC Research Integrity Policy (2019);
  • in making recommendations, take into account precedents relating to ARC actions in response to similar matters, and corrective or disciplinary action already undertaken by the institution, to ensure a fair and sound decision making commensurate with the research misconduct or research integrity breach;
  • consult with the ARC Legal Counsel as appropriate to ensure recommended actions are legally permissible;
  • consult with the Chief Financial Officer as appropriate regarding appropriate action relating to any incidence of fraud or suspected fraud in the expenditure of ARC funding, or other matters of financial implication for the ARC; and
  • instruct relevant ARC staff on any action required to communicate and implement decisions regarding ARC actions.
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