Renewed support for UK research integrity

The UK’s framework for good conduct and governance in research has been relaunched today following consultation and review on behalf of the higher education and research sector.

The Concordat to Support Research Integrity has provided a practical UK framework and reference document for research integrity for researchers, employers of researchers and funders of research since 2012.

While the basic structure and requirements of the Concordat are unchanged, with five commitments with five core principles, the review has ensured that it remains:

• relevant in light of recent developments in research in the UK and internationally, including technological advances.
• appropriately aligned with international frameworks for research governance to support research carried out in international contexts.
• as useful and practical as possible. 

The Concordat and the updates have been agreed by the Research Integrity Concordat Signatories (RICS) Group, which includes Medr, and the UK Committee on Research Integrity.

A summary of the consultation and the changes that were made in response is available on the UKCORI website.

Organisations producing annual statements as part of their commitment to the Concordat should use the revised content by April 2026; and continue to use the existing annual statement reporting template.

Notes

• Further information: The Concordat to Support Research Integrity – UKCORI.
• The UK Committee on Research Integrity now provides a hosting and secretariat role for the Concordat to Support Research Integrity and the Research Integrity Concordat Signatories (RICS) Group. 
• The Committee is working closely with the RICS Group to plan next steps and to support the research sector to continue to enhance integrity practices.