Campus Research Ethics and Integrity Audit Checklist

A comprehensive checklist for auditing and evaluating the ethical conduct, integrity, and compliance of research activities in higher education institutions.

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About This Checklist

The Campus Research Ethics and Integrity Audit Checklist is a vital tool for ensuring the highest standards of ethical conduct and integrity in academic research at higher education institutions. This comprehensive checklist addresses key areas of research management, including ethical approval processes, data management practices, conflict of interest disclosures, research funding transparency, and responsible conduct of research training. By systematically evaluating these aspects, universities can uphold the credibility of their research outputs, protect human and animal subjects, and maintain compliance with regulatory requirements. Regular audits using this checklist help identify potential ethical issues, strengthen research governance, and foster a culture of integrity within the academic community.

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Industry

Education

Standard

Research Integrity Standards

Workspaces

Universities and colleges

Occupations

Research Ethics Committee Member
Research Integrity Officer
Compliance Officer
Institutional Review Board Administrator
Research Dean
1
Is there a documented policy for compliance with research ethics?

Select compliance status.

To ensure that the institution has established guidelines for ethical research practices.
2
Is there a process in place for researchers to disclose conflicts of interest?

Provide details of the disclosure process.

To ensure transparency and integrity in research activities.
3
What percentage of researchers have completed ethics training?

Enter the percentage.

To assess the level of commitment to ethical research practices.
Min0
Target100
Max100
4
Is there a formal review process for human subjects research?

Select if there is a review process.

To ensure that human subjects are protected during the research process.
5
Describe the institution's data management practices in research.

Provide a detailed description.

To evaluate the integrity and security of research data.
6
Are plagiarism detection tools utilized for research submissions?

Select the status of plagiarism detection tool usage.

To ensure that academic integrity is maintained by detecting potential plagiarism.
7
What are the guidelines for determining authorship in research publications?

Describe the authorship guidelines.

To clarify the standards for authorship and prevent disputes.
8
How many cases of academic misconduct were reported in the last academic year?

Enter the total number of reported cases.

To evaluate the frequency of academic misconduct incidents.
Min0
Target0
9
When was the last training session on academic integrity conducted?

Select the date of the last training session.

To ensure ongoing education and awareness about academic integrity.
10
Are there clear reporting mechanisms for academic misconduct?

Select the status of the reporting mechanisms.

To ensure that there is a process in place for reporting unethical behavior.
11
Is there an Institutional Review Board (IRB) that approves research involving human subjects?

Select the status of IRB approval.

To ensure that research involving human subjects is ethically approved.
12
What is the policy for conducting research involving animals?

Provide a summary of the animal research ethics policy.

To ensure ethical treatment of animals in research practices.
13
What percentage of researchers have participated in ethics training programs?

Enter the percentage of participation.

To measure the engagement of researchers in ethical training.
Min0
Target100
Max100
14
When was the last compliance audit for research practices conducted?

Select the date of the last compliance audit.

To ensure that research compliance is regularly reviewed.
15
Is there a conflict of interest policy that is communicated to researchers?

Select the availability status of the conflict of interest policy.

To ensure that researchers are aware of and adhere to conflict of interest policies.
16
Are there security measures in place for storing research data?

Select the status of data storage security measures.

To ensure that sensitive research data is adequately protected.
17
What is the policy regarding sharing research data with external parties?

Describe the data sharing policy.

To clarify the guidelines for data sharing and ensure compliance with ethical standards.
18
What is the defined retention period for research data?

Enter the retention period in years.

To ensure compliance with data management and retention standards.
Min0
Target5
19
When was the data management policy last updated?

Select the date of the last policy update.

To ensure that the data management policy is current and reflects best practices.
20
Are there practices in place for anonymizing research data?

Select the status of data anonymization practices.

To protect the privacy of research participants and comply with ethical standards.

FAQs

It's recommended to conduct a comprehensive research ethics and integrity audit annually, with ongoing monitoring of high-risk research projects and regular ethics committee reviews.

The audit team should include research ethics committee members, research integrity officers, departmental research leads, compliance officers, and representatives from the office of research administration.

Key areas include ethical review processes, informed consent procedures, data management and privacy practices, conflict of interest disclosures, research misconduct policies, responsible conduct of research training, and animal research protocols.

The audit ensures that research conducted at the institution adheres to the highest ethical standards, thereby enhancing the quality, reliability, and impact of research outputs while protecting the rights of research participants.

Technology such as electronic research management systems, plagiarism detection software, data encryption tools, and online ethics training platforms can streamline the audit process, enhance data security, and improve the monitoring of research activities.

Benefits of Campus Research Ethics and Integrity Audit Checklist

Ensures compliance with national and international research ethics standards

Protects the rights and welfare of human and animal research subjects

Enhances the credibility and reputation of the institution's research outputs

Mitigates risks associated with research misconduct and ethical breaches

Promotes responsible research practices and integrity among faculty and students