Research integrity advisors
Research integrity advisors (RIAs) are experienced researchers with knowledge, experience and understanding of research approaches, who actively support Macquarie University's commitment to the responsible conduct of research.
RIAs can advise on research practices, including management of research data and primary materials, publication and dissemination of research findings (including peer-review processes and authorship) and conflicts of interest. RIAs can also provide counsel regarding dubious research practices and the process of making an allegation of a potential breach of the Macquarie Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research (Macquarie Research Code) or a more serious case of research misconduct.
RIAs will not investigate or make determinations on your allegations of research misconduct or breaches of the Macquarie Research Code. Their role is to explain the options open to a person considering making or who has made an allegation. RIAs will assist complainants in preparing a written complaint and pass the information on to the Director, Research Ethics and Integrity.
You can speak with any RIA at the University, not just the ones in your faculty. In some cases, a meeting with someone outside your faculty might be helpful.
Who are Macquarie University's research integrity advisors?
RIAs across faculties whom you can speak with about research integrity:
Faculty of Arts
Professor Louise D'Arcens
Deputy Dean (Research and Innovation)
E: louise.darcens@mq.edu.au
Professor Sarah Sorial
Associate Dean (Research Training and Performance)
T: +61 2 9850 8826
E: sarah.sorial@mq.edu.au
Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences
Professor Roger Chung
Deputy Dean (Research and Innovation)
T: +61 2 9850 2724
E: roger.chung@mq.edu.au
Professor Mark Connor
Associate Dean (Research Training and Performance)
T: +61 2 9850 2719
E: mark.connor@mq.edu.au
Professor Jennifer Cornish
Academic Director, Graduate Research Academy
T: +61 2 9850 8666
E: jennifer.cornish@mq.edu.au
Faculty of Science and Engineering
Professor David Coutts
Deputy Dean (Research and Innovation)
T: +61 2 9850 8970
E: david.coutts@mq.edu.au
Professor Tracy Rushmer
Associate Dean (Research Training and Performance)
T: +61 2 9850 8366
E: tracy.rushmer@mq.edu.au
Macquarie Business School
Professor Leonie Tickle
Deputy Dean (Research and Innovation)
T: +61 2 9850 8567
E: leonie.tickle@mq.edu.au
Professor Ralf Wilden
Associate Dean (Research Training and Performance)
E: ralf.wilden@mq.edu.au
When should I talk to a research integrity advisor?
You can talk to a research integrity advisor (RIA) at any time. They can provide you with guidance on how to maintain good research practices, including managing research collaborations, authorship and data management.
You should also speak with a RIA if you have a concern about the conduct of research at the University or elsewhere. It is a responsibility of all researchers to report suspected misconduct in a timely manner.
If you have a concern about research integrity that you would like to discuss with a RIA, you can speak with them and describe the situation hypothetically while you decide whether to proceed to a formal allegation or a report. Like all members of the University, RIAs have a responsibility to report instances of research misconduct that come to their attention.
The University is committed to the principle of natural justice – that is, giving individuals the right to respond to specific allegations made against them. The University will not normally act on anonymous allegations lodged against individuals.
The RIA will listen to you and ask questions so that she or he has enough information to offer you some advice. You might wish to bring someone along with you as a support person. The RIA may also have someone with them to help take notes (with your approval) so that they can concentrate on the discussion with you.