LSTM Research Integrity Statement

‘Research has integrity when it’s carried out according to the principles of the Concordat, and in a way that is trustworthy, ethical, and responsible.’ 

Under the Research Integrity banner are policies and guidelines relating to research ethics, good research practice and misconduct as well as training resources. 

The Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine expects all researchers and research-enablers, be they staff, students or visitors, to abide by national and international standards of research integrity. This includes: 

Honesty in all aspects of research, including: 

• presentation of research goals, intentions and findings 
• reporting on research methods and procedures 
• gathering data and information 
• using and acknowledging the work of other researchers 
• conveying valid interpretations and making justifiable claims based on research findings 
• presentation of financial contributions 

Rigour, thoroughness and Excellence in research practice: 

• in performing research and using appropriate methods 
• in adhering to an agreed protocol where appropriate 
• in drawing interpretations and conclusions from the research 
• in communicating the results 
• in maintaining the integrity of the research record 

Transparency and open communication: 

• in declaring conflicts of interest 
• in the reporting of research data collection methods 
• acknowledging use of tools including emerging technologies (such as Artificial Intelligence) 
• in the analysis and interpretation of data 
• in making research findings widely available, including sharing negative results as appropriate 
• through open research practices, presenting the work to other researchers and to the general public 
• acknowledging errors and ensuring honest mistakes addressed constructively 

Care and respect for: 

• All participants in and subjects of research, including humans, animals, the environment and cultural objects 
• Partners and other stakeholders, including community representatives and policy-makers 
• The stewardship of research and scholarship for future generations 
• The integrity of the research record 

Accountability of all, individually and collectively: 

• Diverse individuals and organisations are empowered and enabled to own the research process 
• Provisions for participants and other stakeholders to hold research organisations to account 

In addition to these core principles, researchers and research-enablers should ensure that their research is conducted according to appropriate ethical, legal, regulatory and professional frameworks, obligations and standards. This includes seeking ethical approval for research where appropriate. Researchers are also expected to treat colleagues with integrity, honesty and collegiality, including the fair provision of references and peer review. 

As part of its commitment to the principles of the Concordat, LSTM will support researchers and research-enablers to maintain the highest standards of integrity in research by: 

• Providing clear policies and procedures, as well as training and guidance to help researchers better understand how to maintain high standards of research integrity 
• Supporting researchers to adopt decolonial principles in their research and adopt LSTM's co-created equitable partnership principles 
• Having suitable mechanisms for reviewing ethical issues raised by research 
• Creating the conditions necessary for honest errors to be openly admitted without undue detriment 
• Adopting mechanisms to acknowledge, promote and reward responsible research practice 
• Using transparent, robust and fair processes to deal with allegations of research misconduct, and ensure the process is documented 
• Defending researchers who live up to high standards in difficult circumstances and any individual who, in good faith, reports research misconduct at LSTM 
• Continuing to work to strengthen the integrity of its research through regular review and monitoring of its support, policies and procedures in line with the latest regulatory and ethical requirements
• Taking reasonable steps to ensure that partners and contractors are aware of and aligned with the principles of the Concordat 
• Publishing an annual report on activities which promote research integrity. 

LSTM has a number of policies that relate to research integrity issues. These include 

• LSTM Good Research Conduct & Integrity Policy 
• LSTM Research Ethics Policy 
• LSTM Research Governance Policy 
• Policy and Procedure on Handling Allegations of Research Misconduct
• Conflict of Interest Policy 
• Publication Policy 
• Taking and Storing of Phptographs and Videos Policy 
• Fraud, Bribery & Corruption Policy 
• Whistleblowing Policy