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Research integrity

The responsible conduct of research is fundamental to the research enterprise. It refers to the "the behavior expected of anyone who conducts or supports research activities throughout the life cycle of a research project (i.e., from the formulation of the research question, through the design, conduct, collection of data, and analysis of the research, to its reporting, publication and dissemination, as well as the management of research funds)."

In Canada, as an institution that receives funding from the Tri-Agencies, we are governed by the Tri-Agency Framework on the Responsible Conduct of Research.

[Researchers] shall strive to follow the best research practices honestly, accountably, openly and fairly in the search for and in the dissemination of knowledge. In addition, researchs shall follow the requirements of applicable institutional policies and professional or disciplinary standards and shall comply with applicable laws and regulations.

We expect all members of the University of Waterloo community (faculty, students, and staff) to embody the fundamental values of academic integrity: honest, trust, fairness, respect, responsibility, and courage.

Through rigorous research integrity policies, we keep the public, fellow researchers, governments, and funding agencies assured of the rigour of our policies and procedures. Seeing "University of Waterloo" next to a researcher's name should imply good, trustworthy research.

Irresponsible conduct of research is a violation of the principles of intellectual honesty, including the misappropriation of writings, research, and discoveries of others.

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Need to talk?

If you require further assistance or have any questions concerning Waterloo's guidelines or processes to manage allegations of research misconduct, please contact Ian Milligan, Associate Vice-President, Research Oversight and Analysis, 519-888-4567, ext. 42775.