Academic scientific research is an activity conducted by universities, research institutes and other academic institutions. It aims to foster new knowledge through rigorous and reliable methods, develop theories and apply innovative methods to solve complex problems in various fields of knowledge. It also aims to test hypotheses and verify existing theories, improve the understanding of natural or social phenomena and contribute to technological and scientific progress. It is based on observation, data analysis and the transparent and accessible publication of results. Academic scientific research has an impact that extends far beyond the boundaries of the university, influencing society and its institutions.
Academic scientific research and research integrity are closely connected and represent the fundamental pillars of the advancement of human knowledge and the credibility of academic work. Research integrity involves adhering to ethical principles and standards of conduct that ensure scientific research is carried out with honesty, transparency, reliability, responsibility, impartiality, and respect for intellectual property, human and animal rights, as well as colleagues, researchers, society, ecosystems, cultural heritage, and the environment.
Maintaining high standards of research integrity is crucial for public trust in science and for the advancement of knowledge. It is essential that researchers master the knowledge, methodologies and ethical practices of their fields to avoid violating their professional responsibilities, which not only threaten the validity of scientific discoveries, but also undermine public trust in science. Additionally, such violations can have serious consequences for the careers of researchers involved and for the academic institutions that host them. Only by upholding research integrity can the advancement of knowledge be ensured in a credible and reliable manner.
In order to foster a sense of responsibility among researchers and, at the same time, provide the scientific community with a framework for self-regulation, the European Code of Conduct for Research Integrity was published by ALLEA (All European Academies) in 2017 (it was revised and updated in 2023). The code outlines the professional, legal, and ethical responsibilities of researchers and acknowledges the importance of the institutional contexts in which research is conducted. It contains the values and principles governing all fields of research.
National regulations (theCode of Conduct for Public Employees) and University Regulations (the Ethical and Conduct Code, Code of Conduct, Regulations of the Research Ethics Committee, Regulations of the Psychological Research Ethics Committee, Regulations on Personal Data Protection, and Regulations for the Processing of Sensitive and Judicial Data) outline the guidelines and operating procedures for the transparent and proper management of research projects with ethical implications. These provisions govern the evaluation of scientific outputs and the prevention of inappropriate or irresponsible conduct, ensuring full compliance with privacy safeguards and sensitive data protection.