Who is typically responsible for overseeing research integrity at an institution?

The research integrity officer or committee plays a critical role in overseeing research integrity at an institution. This position or collective group is tasked with establishing and enforcing policies that ensure ethical standards are adhered to in research activities. Their responsibilities often include educating researchers on compliance with ethical guidelines, investigating allegations of misconduct, and facilitating the reporting of research integrity issues.

This oversight is essential for maintaining the credibility and validity of the institution's research output, ensuring that it meets national and international ethical standards. In contrast, while all faculty members have a role in promoting ethical behavior and individual researchers bear personal responsibility for their work, the specific oversight function is typically designated to the research integrity officer or committee. Similarly, a department head might be involved in aspects of research oversight, but they do not have the same comprehensive responsibility for institutional research integrity as the designated officer or committee.