A useful overview in the Science Policy Forum - Global Research Integrity Training. Article reviews in particular ninitiatives for training and the case for global standards. Steneck, N H, Science 3 May 2013: Vol. 340 no. 6132 pp. 552-553 DOI: 10.1126/science.1236373
A consultation on a draft concordat on research integrity has been launched by Universities UK (UUK), HEFCE, the Wellcome Trust and the UK government - comments by May 11 2012.
An earlier post referred to the report and written evidence of the inquiry by the UK Parliament's Commons Science and Technology Committee into the peer review system. This has now been joined by a response from the UK government and research councils. Interesting points of discussion: reference to various ongoing initiatives and responsibilities, and to the Research Integrity Concordat mentioned in the earlier post.
The UK parliament's House of Commons Committee on Science and Technology has published a report of its inquiry on Peer Review in Scientific Publications, with conclusions and recommendations. /... more
.../The Committee examines the current approach, reminding publishers, funders and scientists of the principles involved and urging caution on use of impact factors. Recommendations on better coordination and innovation, training for peer review, open access to data and other issues. The report looks at developments in virtual pre- and post-publication commentary and review.
A key conclusion is that there is insufficient oversight of research integrity in the UK: the recommendation is for a government body for regulation and key responsible individuals for each research employer (it is emphasised that the responsibility for ensuring integrity lies significantly with the employer).
This recommendation picks up on the late 2010 report from the UK Research Integrity Futures Group, formed by Research Councils UK (RCUK), Universities UK (UUK) and the UK Department of Health (DH), in association with the UK Higher Education Funding Councils (HEFCs), the Wellcome Trust, the Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC) and the Association of British Pharmaceutical Industries (ABPI). Some concern that the UK Research Integrity Office is not being funded beyond its current term.
