Championing departmental research integrity

Research integrity champions (RICs) are experienced researchers responsible for providing mentorship to fellow researchers and fostering exceptional research quality and trustworthiness.

Alongside the research integrity advisors (RIAs), RICs:

  • help identify discipline-specific needs
  • assist with the delivery of training activities
  • engage in open dialogues with peers
  • provide constructive general advice and guidance on research integrity topics, especially for HDR candidates and early career researchers (ECRs).

They will also consult with RIAs and the Research Integrity Office (RIO) to provide feedback on priorities for targeted campaigns or training foci. Where a RIC becomes aware of a research integrity concern or allegation, they will encourage the party to bring the matter to the attention of a RIA who can assist in this process.

Macquarie University’s RICs

See the RICs across faculties whom you can speak with about research integrity:

Talking to a RIC

You can talk to a RIC at any time. They can guide you on how to apply the principles of good research practices as it relates to your discipline, including managing research collaborations, authorship and data management.

You should also speak with a RIC if you have a concern about the conduct of research at the University or elsewhere. It is a responsibility of all researchers to report suspected misconduct in a timely manner.

If you prefer, you can talk through a research integrity concern with a RIC before speaking to a RIA. You can speak with them and describe the situation hypothetically while you decide whether to proceed to a formal allegation or a report.

The RICs support research integrity and the RIAs by:

  • undertaking general and specialised training arranged by RIO
  • participating and engaging in bi-annual RIC forums to explore issues and brainstorm solutions
  • communicating local systemic concerns about research integrity to their RIA and the RIO
  • cascading news from RIO about best practices and new requirements
  • developing a research integrity awareness and training campaign locally to include events or seminars focusing on discipline-specific aspects of research integrity or local concerns
  • helping to improve responsible research practices through one-on-one mentoring or group-approaches
  • supporting an emerging community of practice.