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. Research Integrity Policy 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. The current version of the policy was released in September 2026. Research Integrity Policy The previous version of the policy was released in September 2023. 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 6600Please ask for the Research Integrity Office. By email researchintegrity@arc.gov.au By mail The Research Integrity OfficeThe Australian Research CouncilGPO Box 2702CANBERRA ACT 2601 Frequently Asked Questions Following feedback received during information sessions on the updated Research Integrity Policy, the ARC has prepared answers to common questions about: Reporting matters to the ARC How the ARC manages and uses information. Reporting matters to the ARC How should matters that began before the updated reporting requirements be reported? The ARC does not require regular updates on matters that began before the updated reporting requirements took effect (from 9 September 2026). These matters only need to be reported to the ARC when an outcome has been reached. When should an administering organisation report a matter it has identified? Reporting Matters When should an administering organisation report a matter referred by the ARC? ARC referrals When and how should other misconduct be reported? An administering organisation must notify the ARC Research Integrity team when: it has made a finding of misconduct that is not a research integrity breach the finding requires a change to an ARC-funded project. The administering organisation may determine who submits the report and how it is provided to the ARC. How the ARC uses information How does the ARC use the information provided by administering organisations? The ARC uses information provided by administering organisations to determine whether it needs to take action to: protect the integrity of ARC processes support the appropriate management of ARC-funded projects. The ARC only shares the information with people who have a legitimate need to know. How does the ARC determine whether to take further action? The ARC considers the available evidence before deciding whether further action is required. This is why administering organisations must report both findings of a breach and outcomes where allegations have been dismissed. Any action taken by the ARC is evidence-based and managed through appropriate decision-making and accountability processes. This supports the ARC’s role in promoting the responsible, ethical and integrity-based conduct of research.