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Research Integrity

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Research Ethics

UCL regards it as fundamental that research should be conducted according to ethical guidelines.

Ethics
All those at UCL involved in research, whether on UCL premises or overseas, as well as external researchers researching at UCL or working in collaboration with UCL are expected to read and comply with this guidance. 

UCL interprets ethical issues broadly including amongst others:

  • the relevant codes of practice (according to the research discipline)
  • the involvement of human participants, tissue or data in research
  • the use of animals in research
  • research that may result in damage to the environment
  • the use of sensitive economic, social or personal data
  • the acquisition, storage and disposal of historical artefacts

Academic research involving one or more of the bullet points above will likely require ethical review before any work can commence. Researchers are also expected to read and abide by UCL's Code of Conduct for Research (see Your Responsibilities throughout the research lifecycle’ section for more information) as well as other UCL policy and guidance as relevant.

Compliance with requirements

UCL considers that failure to gain appropriate approvals and permissions before starting a project with ethical implications could amount to research misconduct (see UCL's procedure for investigating and resolving allegations of misconduct in academic research) and may lead to disciplinary action.