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Five Ways Mentors Can Encourage Research Integrity

By Aaron Bowman posted 08-25-2016 10:19

  

The SOT Graduate Subcommittee, which I chair, recognizes the importance of research mentors in promulgating good practices among trainees, including producing high-quality data and sharing the culture of promoting integrity.  I recently became aware of the infographic below that identifies five strategies for research supervisors from the US Department of Health and Human Services Office of Research Integrity.  Sound advice.

 

The suggestions to promote research integrity in your team are as follows.

1. Be Available and Approachable 

Take the time to cultivate a relationship with your trainees. They are there to learn from you, so discuss progress and problems in an open and constructive manner. This can encourage conversation, promote transparency, and make them more comfortable coming to you with questions or concerns. 

2. Review Raw Data

You are responsible for any data put forth by your research group. Regularly reviewing raw data, especially results related to any paper, grant, or poster, can help catch both honest errors and intentional manipulations before they get out your door.

3. Communicate Your Expectations

Be clear about individual roles and responsibilities regarding experiments, data management, authorship, and timelines of projects, as well as how trainees will be evaluated. Consider adopting a formal onboarding process and posting written standards in the lab.

4. Provide Training and Guidance

Not all trainees will arrive with the same skill level. Avoid making assumptions about anyone’s prior knowledge by regularly reviewing protocols, proper use of equipment, and data storage and management. 

5. Know Your Research Integrity Officer (RIO) 

Be prepared in case you ever suspect research misconduct. Find out now who is the RIO at your institution and share their contact information with your research team.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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