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Epigeum Research Integrity Training

Research Integrity, Second Edition is an online learning programme designed to support new researchers with good research conduct. Starting with an overview of key responsibilities in the first module, the course goes on to explore the fundamentals of planning, managing, recording and publishing research. The last module covers the wider responsibilities that researchers assume as they develop their careers, from taking on different roles to communicating their findings to the public.
Research Integrity, Second Edition consists of eight core modules and five specialist modules.

This training is available to all staff and students. The training is done online, in your own time, and is made up of the following modules:

Early career researchers and PhD candidates should complete all 8 core modules.

Experienced researchers are advised to complete at least modules 1 and 2. The optional specialist modules are not required for the purposes of certification, but anyone is welcome to complete them if they consider them to be relevant to their area of research.

Answers to some frequently asked questions:

• The training is free to all staff and students. There is no registration fee.
• You do not have to “book in” to do the training on a particular date. Once registered on the Epigeum system you can complete the training in your own time.
• The Epigeum Research Integrity Training is separate to the CA7000 module that PhD candidates are required to do, and does not fulfil the requirements of that particular module. PhD candidates are more than welcome to complete the Epigeum training but should be aware that it they will still have to pass the CA7000 module.
• If you completed the previous version of the Epigeum training (in the last three years) you do not have to complete this new version at this time. However, anyone who would like to do the updated modules is more than welcome to request access.
• A token is required to access the modules. Anyone who would like to complete the training should contact Corrinna Moore for access.
• All queries should be directed to Corrinna Moore in the Office of the Dean of Research (moorec22@tcd.ie)

The learning outcomes for the Research Integrity, Second Edition modules are as follows:
Module 1: Good Research Conduct

• Recognise the importance of good research conduct and define some of the basic terms associated with it
• Distinguish between research integrity and research ethics
• Identify sources of guidance on professional responsibility
• Identify the general scope and function of government regulations
• Explain the role of institutions in promoting good research conduct
• Summarise the basic virtues that guide personal integrity.

Module 2: Irresponsible Research Practices

• Describe and provide examples of the two approaches that governments and organisations worldwide have taken in defining and responding to irresponsible conduct in research
• Explain how irresponsible conduct is defined and handled in Ireland
• Be aware of the questions you should ask yourself to avoid irresponsible practices
• Explain the difference between questionable research practices and misconduct
• Discuss the impact of irresponsible practices on research
• Identify the steps to be taken to report irresponsible behaviour in research.

Module 3: Planning Your Research

• Describe the common elements of a research plan
• Discuss the importance of research plans and identify how others might use your research plan
• List the types of governance approval that could be required before beginning a research project, and describe the implications of not having approvals in place
• Explain the reasons for and types of agreements that should be in place before beginning a research project
• Illustrate some of the problems that could arise if a research project is not properly planned.  

Module 4: Managing and Recording Your Research

• Be able to create a project management checklist to summarise the main responsibilities in your research project and identify potential problems
• Describe the purpose and importance of keeping a record of your research
• Explain what is required to keep a record that will validate your findings and allow others to replicate your work
• Know and apply the basic standards for storing, protecting and sharing research data.

Module 5: Data Selection, Analysis and Presentation

• Identify responsible and irresponsible practices in data selection
• Describe the role of analysis in the responsible conduct of research
• Explain the virtues underpinning best practice in data presentation
• Provide examples of irresponsible practices that researchers have used when selecting, analysing and presenting results.

Module 6: Scholarly Publication

• Discuss the factors that should be considered when making decisions on when and how to publish
• Identify key factors that should be considered when selecting a journal
• Summarise the key elements that need to be considered when drafting a scholarly publication
• Summarise the basic principles for assigning authorship and acknowledging the contributions of others
• Illustrate the different types of plagiarism and how to avoid plagiarism
• Explain how scholarly publications are submitted and reviewed
• Identify and explain the key post-publication responsibilities authors have.

Module 7: Professional Responsibilities

• Set out the responsibilities that supervisors, students and researchers have when they enter into a mentoring relationship
• Explain the responsibilities of individual researchers engaged in teamwork/collaborations
• Explain the additional responsibilities that can emerge when researchers are involved in larger scale teams/collaborations
• Discuss the primary responsibilities of peer reviewers, and provide examples of the ways in which these responsibilities can be compromised.

Module 8: Communication, Social Responsibility and Impact

• Identify the broader roles researchers can take on over the course of a career and the special responsibilities that come with these roles
• Discuss the challenges researchers face when identifying their audience and developing plans for research communications
• Illustrate the ways in which poor working relationships between professionals engaged in broader service can be detrimental to research
• Explain why it is important for researchers to separate their personal positions from their professional views when communicating their research
• Explain what is meant by 'impact' and the different views on how impact should be assessed.

Module 9: Conflicts of Interest

• Recognise the importance of disclosing conflicts of interest
• Define and give examples of conflicts of interest
• Describe when and how conflicts of interest should be reported
• Explain how conflicts of interest are handled in Ireland
• Explain the expectations that institutions have in relation to conflicts of interest
• Give examples of the consequences of not reporting conflicts of interest.

Module 10: Research Involving Human Participants

• Describe the origin and purpose of the guiding principles set out in the major codes of conduct for research involving human participants
• Explain why research involving human participants requires review and approval before any work is undertaken and how projects are reviewed
• List the main information researchers are expected to provide when applying for approval to conduct research involving human participants
• Summarise how research involving human participants is reviewed and approved in Ireland
• Explain what is meant by an 'ethical' study and the primary concerns that research ethics committees address when making judgements about the ethics of studies
• Summarise the continuing responsibilities researchers have once a project is approved
• List and provide examples of the major challenges that can be faced in ensuring that human participants in research are protected.

Module 11: The Care and Use of Animals in Research

• Summarise the four basic responsibilities researchers have for the care and use of animals in research
• Describe the purpose and content of the 3Rs (replacement, reduction, refinement)
• Discuss the role and purpose of Animal Welfare Body (AWB), Animal Research Ethics Committee (AREC) and the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) for the implementation of EU legislation (Directive 2010/63/EU and its Irish transposition, S.I. No. 543 of 2012) for the protection of animals used for scientific purposes.
• Summarise the information that could be called for when you are seeking approval for a project
• List some of the continuing responsibilities researchers have after receiving AREC/HPRA approval when conducting research with animals.
• Explain why it is important to take public attitudes into consideration when conducting research that involves the use of animals.

Module 12: Intellectual Property

• Define 'intellectual property' as it relates to research
• Explain when and how researchers can copyright their research
• Explain when and how researchers can patent their research
• Discuss some of the limitations on intellectual property protection in research
• Explain the steps that should be taken to establish ownership of intellectual property
• Explain how intellectual property is managed in Ireland
• Provide examples of the emerging issues associated with copyright and the patent protection of research.  

Module 13: Export Controls

• Explain the purpose of export controls and their role in research
• Describe and provide examples of the major ways in which research could be subject to export controls
• Summarise the steps researchers should follow to identify and manage export controls
• Explain how export controls that could apply to your research are governed and administered in Ireland and at your institution
• Provide examples of how export controls affect researchers and some of the consequences of failing to comply.