Research Policies, Ethics and Supports

Research integrity is the cornerstone of investigation at the University of Toronto. It is learned behaviour and is based on universal principles. The Singapore Statement on Research Integrity, drafted in 2010 at the 2^nd World Conference on Research Integrity, articulates 4 principles that are fundamental to the integrity of research.

• Honesty in all aspects of research.
• Accountability in the conduct of research.
• Professional courtsey and fairness in working with others.
• Good stewardship of research on behalf of others.

Anyone involved in research is expected to embrace these principles and use them as a guide to carry out and communicate research discoveries and to use these discoveries to improve the health of the population, either directly or indirectly. As a researcher, you need to aspire to the highest level of academic integrity and adhere to codes of behaviour and practices that ensure you develop good habits in your career as a scientist. 

The cost of research misconduct is immense:

• It devalues research and undermines science inquiry.
• It erodes the public’s trust in research.
• It is expensive and time consuming to investigate and correct.
• It can inflict irreparable damage to reputations and careers.  

The University of Toronto, and the research community at large, view issues related to academic integrity and research misconduct extremely seriously.  Anyone involved in research, needs to be familiar with, and adhere to the most current University of Toronto and affiliated hospital guidelines and policies relating to graduate research. Please refer to the full versions of the policies and guidelines outlined below.