Vice-President Research & Innovation Robert Haché’s series of topical commentaries on areas of critical interest to the York research community continues with a review of the Tri-Agency Framework: Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR).

The Social Sciences & Humanities Research Council of Canada, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Natural Sciences & Engineering Research Council of Canada officially launched the new Tri-Agency Framework: Responsible Conduct of Research on Dec. 5. 

The new framework builds on previous research integrity policies and procedures related to applying for and managing agency funds, performing research and disseminating results. It outlines the responsibilities of researchers regarding the ethical conduct of research.

Left: Robert Haché, vice-president research & innovation

“The intent of this new framework is to enhance research integrity,” said Haché. “It is important for the York University community to recognize this framework and their responsibilities with respect to their research activities.”

Researchers always have been responsible for the rigorous conduct of research, the maintenance of complete and accurate records (research, financial); thorough and accurate referencing; appropriate authorship and acknowledgement of all contributors and contributions to the research; and the proactive management of any real, potential or perceived conflict of interest. With the new framework, there is an increase in the implications and consequences to researchers for even an inadvertent failure to maintain this ethical contract.

Researchers at York are already, by and large, a model of compliance for the ethical conduct of research. Thus, continued adherence to current practices together with an increase in individual vigilance will assure the continued success of researchers’ programs. 

Framework highlights include:

• York will be required to report all findings of misconduct for fault in the conduct of research,
• However, with the new framework, allegations of a serious nature (harm to participants; significant financial breach, etc.) also must now be reported to Tri-Agency
• Misconduct is still defined as a breach of ANY Tri-agency policy. 
• All applicants will be required to sign a Consent to Disclosure of Personal Information that will allow the agencies (subject to applicable laws, including the Privacy Act, and in cases of a serious breach of agency policy) to publicly disclose the names of researchers and their institutions that seriously breach the RCR guidelines and agency policy. 

For more information about the new framework, contact Alison Collins-Mrakas, senior manager & policy advisor, research ethics, at acollins@yorku.ca. For more information about the policy, click here.

Republished courtesy of YFile– York University’s daily e-bulletin.