Responsible practices

Responsible research recognises that knowledge and innovation have effects in the world, and so too do practices of knowledge-making. Scholarly independence, rigour and good governance underpin responsible research practices. The benefits of research increase when formal scholarly processes are complemented by practices that build capacity and anticipate implications for society and the planet.

Responsible Research Culture Framework

Download Monash’s Responsible Research Culture Framework here

What does this culture of responsible research practices look like?

VALUES AND PRINCIPLES

  • Evidence-based practices.
  • Reciprocity and shared benefit.
  • Internal and external foci.

EXPECTATIONS

  • Staff follow university guidelines around disclosures and management of conflict of interest.
  • Academic staff management and development is informed by responsible research practices and assessment.
  • Mentoring of graduate research students and early career researchers is constructive and encourages independence, critical thinking and professional development.

FORMAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND SYSTEMS

  • Research practices comply with the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research, and where relevant the AIATSIS Code of Ethics for Indigenous Research and the Australian Code for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes.
  • All research practices comply with relevant regulatory frameworks including but not limited to those associated with human and animal ethics, gene technology, biosecurity and export controls.
  • All staff recognise and safeguard private and confidential information.

BEHAVIOURS

  • Research methods and approaches, regardless of discipline or mode, are robust and rigorous, and demonstrate integrity and responsibility to others.
  • The ‘3R’ alternatives (replacement, reduction, and refinement) are implemented in research involving animals.
  • Researchers demonstrate best practices, and seek to enhance the capabilities of themselves and others.

CREATING MEANING

  • Responsible research practices extend beyond compliance to consider societal and environmental impacts.
  • Responsible research extends beyond the university through education and external capability development.

Useful questions:

  • Have you created and completed a checklist of all relevant compliance requirements (including but not limited to risk management and conflicts of interest)?
  • What are the unconscious biases (disciplinary, social, financial, cultural) that could potentially impact upon your research?
  • What practices can you introduce to promote your and your colleagues’ wellbeing?
  • Have you identified any actions or practices that have unsettled you or your colleagues in the research process?
  • How can you measure the success of your project or your team responsibly?