Contact us
- Research Integrity Team
- E: research.integrity@mq.edu.au
Macquarie University Research Code
Understand your responsibilities as a Macquarie researcher
Read the CodeAustralian Research Code
Macquarie's code is aligned with the standards set out here
Read the Australian CodeMacquarie Research Code Procedure
Our process for managing complaints about research conduct
Read about this CodeConducting research with respect
We expect our researchers to manage and conduct their research with utmost professionalism and with respect and regard for humans, animals and the environment.
At Macquarie University, we ensure the highest standards of research integrity. Read more about our commitment and expectations to conduct research with integrity.
Our commitment to research integrity
- Promote a culture that encourages responsible research.
- Establish good governance and management practices.
- Provide induction, training and continuing education for all researchers.
- Promote effective mentoring and supervision for everyone involved in research.
- Ensure a safe research environment.
- Implement processes and policies to ensure fairness when considering reports of inappropriate research behaviour.
Our expectations of good research conduct
- Maintain high standards of responsible research.
- Ensure that research findings are reported responsibly.
- Respect research participants and be aware of and comply with all requirements of human research ethics.
- Respect animals used in research and be aware of and comply with all requirements of animal research ethics.
- Respect the environment.
- Report inappropriate research behaviours.
Reporting concerns about research conduct
The Macquarie University Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research is aligned with the standards set out in the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research (2018).
If you believe that the actions of a Macquarie University staff member or student may constitute a breach of the code or misconduct, you are encouraged to report it.
What is the difference between a code breach and misconduct?
A breach of the Macquarie Research Code is an unintentional failure to comply with principles or specific provisions of the University’s policies governing the conduct of research by our researchers. Breaches occur on a spectrum from minor to more serious breaches. A breach does not include honest differences in the interpretation of data.
Research misconduct is a serious breach which is also intentional or reckless or negligent. Repeated or persistent breaches will likely constitute a serious breach. Where there has been previous counselling or specific direction, repeated or continuing breaches do constitute research misconduct. Research misconduct may have serious consequences.
How can I report a breach or research misconduct?
Reports should be made in writing – email or hard copy are both acceptable – to the Director, Research Ethics and Integrity.
Your report should:
- clearly outline the details of the possible breach or research misconduct
- as far as possible include any evidence that you have access to that will help in the initial assessment of the situation, eg drafts of manuscripts or altered images.
It is not your responsibility to collect all the evidence. A subsequent inquiry will obtain further evidence if necessary, but it will be helpful to provide any available items that will assist in the assessment process.
Reports should be sent to:
Dr Karolyn (Kandy) White
Director, Research Ethics and Integrity
Ground floor, 16 Wally’s Walk
Macquarie University NSW 2109
T: +61 (2) 9850 7854
E: karolyn.white@mq.edu.au
E: research.integrity@mq.edu.au
Frivolous, vexatious and malicious allegations of either breaches or research misconduct will not be tolerated or investigated.