The Institute of Cancer Research, London, has developed guidelines on Good Research Practice to emphasise the importance of integrity and rigour in all research carried out at, and in partnership with, the ICR, and to help ensure that all researchers are aware of their obligations with respect to proper scientific conduct.

This statement summarises good practice in research, signposting external references where applicable. It is intended mainly for external stakeholders such as funding bodies, patients and the general public to learn more about our policy on research integrity.

Download Good Research Practice guideline

Research integrity

Annual Statements on Research Integrity

The ICR is committed to the highest standards of research integrity and to transparency around any allegations of research misconduct that may arise.

The ICR subscribes to the Concordat to Support Research Integrity (Universities UK, 2019).

Download 2022 Annual Statement (PDF) 

Download 2021 Annual Statement (PDF) 

Download 2020 Annual Statement (PDF)

Download 2019 Annual Statement (PDF)

Download 2018 Annual Statement (PDF)

Download 2017 Annual Statement (PDF)

Misconduct in research

In August 2008 the UK Research Integrity Office (UKRIO) issued a 'Procedure for the Investigation of Misconduct in Research'.  This step-by-step Procedure is aimed at all organisations engaged in research using funds from funding bodies such as the Research Councils and other government bodies, as well as from charities, overseas funding bodies and the commercial sector.  The objectives of the Procedure are to:

• ensure that an investigation of alleged misconduct in research is thorough and fair
• demonstrate that, by using an agreed standard process, there should be fewer errors in the conduct of investigations; and
• reassure those who are under investigation that the process will follow a standard procedure adopted nationally by universities and other research organisations

The ICR's Board of Trustees agreed in September 2010 (Minute Reference B/9/10/11) that the Institute should adopt a similar procedure to deal with any case that may arise within the Institute.

A complaint of misconduct in research may be initiated by an individual (an Institute employee or someone outside of the Institute) or an external institution or organisation.  Whatever the source, it must always be taken seriously so that justice is seen to be done to both the complainant and the respondent.

It is not easy to present a complaint against a colleague, and if complainants cannot be assured that bona fide complaints will be pursued with integrity, confidentiality, and without detriment, then misconduct may remain undiscovered.

Conversely, researchers are entitled to expect that their work is regarded as honest until shown to be otherwise, and that they will be protected against mischievous, frivolous or ill-founded complaints.

Contacts

• Named member of staff acting as a first point of contact for anyone wanting more information on matters of research integrity: Yuen-Li Chung, Research Operations Manager (Research Governance)
• Named senior member of staff overseeing research integrity and acting as confidential liaison for any person wishing to raise concerns about research integrity: Professor Clare Isacke, Dean of Academic and Research Affairs & Team Leader 

Download our Misconduct In Research policy

Misconduct In Research (PDF)