Embedding research ethics and integrity into undergraduate practical classes
Karena L Waller A , Daniel P Barr B , Paul M Taylor C and Odilia L Wijburg DA Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, at The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Vic. 3000, Australia. Tel: +61 3 8344 0045, Email: klwaller@unimelb.edu.au
B Office for Research Ethics and Integrity, Research Innovation and Commercialisation, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic. 3010, Australia. Tel: +61 3 9035 4170, Email: dpbarr@unimelb.edu.au
C Office for Research Ethics and Integrity, Research Innovation and Commercialisation, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic. 3010, Australia. Tel: +61 3 8344 2047, Email: pmt@unimelb.edu.au
D Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, at The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Vic. 3000, Australia. Tel: +61 3 8344 9919, Email: odilia@unimelb.edu.au
Microbiology Australia 37(2) 76-80 https://doi.org/10.1071/MA16025
Published: 18 April 2016
Abstract
The core principles of research ethics and integrity that underpin the responsible conduct of research are critical to the design and performance of high quality research that generates excellent research data and outcomes that can be confidently trusted. Although many senior researchers have gained an in-depth appreciation and understanding of the importance of research ethics and integrity in the responsible conduct of research, many undergraduate students in science and technology disciplines do not obtain a basic, working knowledge of relevant research ethics and integrity principles as part of their degree. Here, we describe the introduction of a research ethics and integrity curriculum component into our third year practical classes, and the beneficial outcomes that we observed.
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