Responsible research

Postgraduate researchers have an obligation to the research community, to the funders of research and to society as a whole to conduct their research to the highest standards across the full research process, from planning and conducting research through to recording, reporting and applying the findings. This is known as ‘research integrity’. 

There are two key documents on research integrity and ethics that you should read and have a clear understanding of. 

These are:

• • • Code of Practice on Research Integrity 

    • Code of Practice and Principles for Good Ethical Governance 

Research ethics form a subset of research integrity, focusing on the avoidance of harm within the conduct of research. This Code sets out the University’s framework of ethical principles and University requirements for formally reviewing and approving research which raises ethical considerations. It includes a ‘Checklist of areas where ethical considerations are likely to arise’.

It is important that you read these documents and ensure that you have a clear understanding of the standards and practices expected of you, and that you discuss the implications with your supervisor. Key elements include:

• • • Ensuring that your research data and supporting records are accurate, complete and retrievable, and stored securely, taking particular care in relation to any sensitive information.

    • Taking responsibility, supported by your supervisor, for identifying any areas of your research project which fall within the University’s ethical framework, and referring them for University review and approval prior to commencing the activity. 

Depending on the subject and content of your research, you may be subject to legal and regulatory requirements such as the Nagoya Protocol and those set out under Export Control legislation. It is your responsibility as a researcher to identify any compliance requirements and address them as relevant. Advice should be sought in the first instance from the Policy, Integrity and Performance Team: policy-integrity-performance@york.ac.uk.

Generative AI and your programme

Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents huge opportunities for you as a postgraduate researcher but you must make sure that you use it appropriately. See our Guidance on the use of generative Artificial Intelligence in PGR programmes for principles, limitations, risks and referencing in the use of AI in your research.

You must abide by the Policy on Transparency in Authorship in PGR Programmes which covers the use of generative AI, proof-reading and translation in submitted work.

Research Integrity Tutorial (RIT) 

The Research Integrity Tutorial (RIT) is a compulsory requirement for all postgraduate researchers and must be completed within the first three months of registration. 

The RIT is tailored to the specific needs of postgraduate researchers and has been designed to familiarise you with the principles, policies and procedures of research integrity and ethics at the University of York. The tutorial is divided into three main sections, each followed by a short test. After completing all three section tests you will receive a Research Integrity Certificate and your completion will be recorded in e:Vision. The RIT will provide you with practical information for your research here at York and will be highly valuable in the development of your academic career. 

The RIT is located in your Yorkshare VLE module list. If you have trouble accessing the tutorial, email policy-integrity-performance@york.ac.uk. 

For more information and details of further support for research integrity to build on the core training provided by the tutorial, see the University guidance on training and support for Research Integrity.

Departmental guidance

As part of your research degree you may have to apply for ethical approval in order to undertake your project. In the Department of Health Sciences we have a Research Governance Committee that ensures that research carried out by staff and students in the Department has met the appropriate standards of ethical governance. The Committee is chaired by Professor Stephen Holland with staff and student members from the Department of Health Sciences, as well as those external to the Department. 

Students undertaking research within the NHS may also need to apply for research ethics approval via the Health Research Authority.