Research Ethics, Governance and Integrity

Strong research governance, integrity and ethics underpins our research culture and environment.

The University of Birmingham is committed to research excellence and the rigorous pursuit of new knowledge. Supportive research ethics and governance processes are the foundation for a positive culture of research integrity. All University students, staff and others using University facilities or resources and support must work to these standards.

How we ensure integrity

Our staff act with integrity in their work, and this is enshrined in the University’s Code of Ethics (PDF - 528KB). Alongside this, the Code of Practice for Research (PDF - 128KB) provides a framework for the governance of all research throughout the University.

The University's Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research and Knowledge Transfer) is the named person within the University responsible for research integrity.

The administrative lead for research integrity matters is Dr Birgit Whitman, Head of Research Governance & Integrity (telephone +44 (0)7814 650 003), and queries should be directed to Birgit in the first instance.

You can also read the University’s statement on research integrity for 2023-2024 (PDF - 221KB).

  • Professional colleagues at a meeting

    Explore how we are enhancing ethical and open research

    Through Research England's Quality-related Research (QR) funding, we are enhancing ethical and open research practice. See examples below for a snapshot of researchers and research-related staff's work.

Our case studies

Improving understanding of open research

Our Libraries and Learning Resources team led a project that has improved our understanding of open research practices and their impact over time. Now colleagues are sharing these findings internally, through training, advocacy and governance mechanisms, to ensure researchers and research enablers understand, comply with and promote open research practices. 

Improving equity and inclusion in research involvement

Dr Ameeta Retzer (researcher working within the Department of Applied Health Sciences) led a project to understand and improve how the University of Birmingham engages with the public through an equity, diversity and inclusion lens. Insights gathered with members of communities in Birmingham and the Black Country have informed the creation of a code of conduct guide and case studies to help inform public involvement and engagement in research.