Research integrity advisors

Upholding responsible conduct of research

Research integrity advisors (RIAs) are researchers with knowledge, experience and understanding of research approaches, who actively support Macquarie University’s commitment to the responsible conduct of research.

The role of RIAs is to explain the options open to a person considering making or who has made an allegation of misconduct. RIAs will assist complainants in preparing a written complaint and pass the information on to the Director, Research Ethics and Integrity.

RIAs offer guidance on various aspects of research practices, including:

• good research practices, including managing research collaborations and authorship
• management of research data and primary materials
• publication and dissemination of research findings, including peer-review processes and authorship
• conflicts of interest
• dubious research practices
• the process of reporting potential breaches of the Macquarie Research Code and other more serious cases of research misconduct.

Note: RIAs will not investigate or make determinations on your allegations of research misconduct or breaches of the Macquarie Research Code.

Speaking to a RIA

You should also speak with a RIA if you have a concern about the conduct of research at the University or elsewhere. The RIA will listen to you and ask questions so that they have enough information to offer you advice. You might wish to bring someone along with you as a support person. The RIA may also have someone with them to help take notes (with your approval) so that they can concentrate on the discussion with you.

Macquarie University is committed to the principle of natural justice – that is, giving individuals the right to respond to specific allegations made against them. The University will not normally act on anonymous allegations lodged against individuals.

If you have a concern about research integrity that you would like to discuss with a RIA, you can speak with them and describe the situation hypothetically while you decide whether to proceed to a formal allegation or a report. Like all members of the University, RIAs have a responsibility to report instances of research misconduct that come to their attention.

Macquarie University’s RIAs

You can speak with any RIA at the University, not just the ones in your faculty. In some cases, a meeting with someone outside your faculty might be helpful.