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Good Research Practice

TUS is dedicated to providing an environment where research integrity prevails through the promotion of good research practices, together with the use of fair and transparent processes and procedures.

TUS is dedicated to creating and fostering a culture of integrity in research. This is accomplished by providing researchers with proactive support and outlining in detail how they can adhere to ethical standards and good research practices.. The key element in good research practice is self-regulation. Integrity cannot be imposed, and the threat of sanctions is not in itself sufficient to prevent every instance of poor research practice. The surest foundation for good research practice is an acceptance of and commitment to a number of shared ethical principles.

Honesty and integrity are central to research excellence and are core to the research culture of the University.   The TUS Good Research Practice Guidelines sets out a series of guiding principles and standards for good research practice, in line with the revised HEA Principles of Good Research Practice within Irish Higher Education Institutions. It does not include a prescriptive set of rules or regulations. These should be consulted at every stage of the research process and are covered in greater detail in policies and other documentation.

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Principle 1: Excellence in Research and Academic Freedom

TUS emphasises excellence in research practices across all fields and at all career stages. TUS embraces the fundamental principles of academic freedom and recognises that its researchers shall have the freedom, within the law, to question and test received wisdom, to put forward new ideas and to state unpopular opinions as set out in the Universities Act(1997).

Principle 2: Research Integrity and Ethics

TUS is committed to creating an environment that maintains the highest standards of integrity in relation to its research efforts and educational goals, as stated in the TUS Research Integrity Policy. Further details on Research Integrity in TUS is available here.

Ethical standards prevail within the public consciousness and all researchers within TUS have an obligation to the public, to themselves, to the participants and to TUS, to ensure that they uphold core ethical principles. Further details on Research Ethics in TUS is available here.

Researchers should comply with all legal and ethical requirements pertinent to their work and declare any conflicts of interest, as per the ‘TUS Conflict of Interest Policy,’ and the means to resolve them.

Principle 3: Open Research

TUS supports the objectives and actions set out in The National Action Plan for Open Research.  TUS are transitioning towards open research practices, with guidance and supports available for Open Access Publishing, Research Data Management, Responsible Use of Research Metrics, ORCID and Open Educational Resources through our libraries.  

Principle 4: Intellectual Property and Knowledge Transfer

In accordance with the “TUS Intellectual Property Policy“, TUS is dedicated to the administration and application of intellectual property. Fully respecting this, TUS seeks to maximise the dissemination of its research outputs in recognition of their public importance.

Where there is external collaboration, for example with enterprise or internationally, TUS will work with these partners to ensure appropriate conduct of collaborative research in all its forms, including projects, programmes and placements.

Principle 5: Researcher Development

TUS supports the professional development of its researchers, at all career stages. This includes supporting them to maintain their knowledge of, and skills in, good research practice throughout their careers. TUS will endeavour to ensure there is appropriate training and career development opportunities for its researchers and collaborators, where appropriate, and provide timely advice in this regard. Researchers should make sure they receive the proper instruction and training in the abilities needed to be successful

The university applies the required duty of care at all researcher career stages including:

The university is dedicated to its research support staff’s professional growth.

Principle 6: Research Project and Programme Management

The university ensures clear lines of accountability for research taking place under its auspices. Including, but is not limited to, compliance with and adherence to relevant:

  • Laws, regulations and standards;
  • Financial policies including procurement, as well as funder terms and conditions;
  • Health and safety procedures;
  • Quality assurance procedures;
  • Policies in relation to recruitment and remuneration of research personnel;
  • Insurance and indemnity requirements;

Institutional risk identification and management procedures.

Principle 7: Dignity and Respect

We are committed to creating a positive culture which recognises and reflects the dignity of each member of our community. Promoting professional behaviour and attitudes, embracing diversity, encouraging each person to reach their potential, and fostering social inclusion and equality, as per the ‘TUS Dignity and Respect at Work Policy and Procedure’ and the ‘TUS Student Policy on Dignity and Respect’.

The university are signatories of the HEA Race Equality Anti-Racism Principles for Higher Education Institutions further supporting it’s commitment to dignity and respect within our community. Speak Out is an online anonymous reporting tool developed by the Psychological Counsellors in Higher Education Ireland (PCHEI), and is available to the TUS community to lodge anonymous reports of instances they may have encountered. Policies and procedures are in place to support sexual harassment and sexual violence and employees who are affected by domestic violence and abuse.

Principle 8: Gender Equality and Inclusiveness

TUS promotes gender equality and fosters inclusiveness in research, as outlined in the TUS ‘Policy on Gender Identity and Expression.’  TUS are cognisant of Ireland’s obligations as a signatory to the ‘Ljubljana Declaration on Gender Equality.’ The Equality, Diversity and Inclusion office have developed a number of supporting policies, procedures and training initiatives to support the TUS EDI vision of being a leader in advancing equality, diversity and inclusion. Access to this information is available through their webpage and training via their Moodle page.

Principle 9: Research and Sustainability

TUS recognises its responsibility to support the achievements of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and its role in securing a sustainable future. TUS supports the implementation of ‘The National Strategy on Education for Sustainable Development’. Through TUS research activity, the university will endeavour to bring about positive change and solutions to significant global challenges with regard to ‘Ireland’s Climate Action Plan’ and will support our researcher community in achieving the objectives of that Plan as they relate to project management.

Across its research activity, TUS will pay due regard to potential direct and indirect impacts on the environment, the ‘Do No Significant Harm’ principles (Article 17 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852), and the ability of future generations to meet their needs. Researchers are supported to ascertain the connections between their research and the SDGs.