Responsible Conduct of Research

Photo of a team working in a science lab

The 2018 Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research (the Australian Code) outlines the broad principles that characterise an honest, ethical and conscientious research culture. It sets out Principles and Responsibilities that both researchers and institutions are expected to follow when conducting research.


The 8 Principles of responsible research conduct are:

  • HONESTY in the development, undertaking and reporting of research. 
  • RIGOUR in the development, undertaking and reporting of research. 
  • TRANSPARENCY in declaring interest and reporting research methodologies, data and findings. 
  • FAIRNESS in the treatment of others.
  • RESPECT for research participants, the wider community, animals and the environment.

  • RECOGNITION of the right of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to be engaged in research that affects or is of significance to them.

  • ACCOUNTABILITY for the development, undertaking and reporting of research.

  • PROMOTION of responsible research practices.

The Australian Code was jointly developed by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), the Australian Research Council (ARC) and Universities Australia (UA). Supporting the Australian Code is the Guide to Managing and Investigating Potential Breaches of the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research (the Guide). The Guide provides a framework on how to deal with departures from best practice. Institutional compliance with the Australian Code is a prerequisite for receipt of funding from the NHMRC and the ARC.

UNSW Research Code of Conduct

UNSW has implemented the UNSW Research Code of Conduct (the Research Code) to meet its obligations under the Australian Code and to foster its commitment to promoting a culture of responsible and ethical research practices.

The Research Code establishes the principles and responsibilities that UNSW researchers must conform to at every stage of their research activities.

The Research Code applies to all UNSW researchers including: 

  • Academic staff 
  • Professional/technical/non-academic staff undertaking research or a research function
  • Visiting and conjoint/adjunct appointees 
  • Research Trainees, Higher Degree Research (HDR) Candidates and Coursework Students

The Research Code applies to all research undertaken at UNSW.

Breaches of the Research Code

UNSW recognises that most UNSW researchers demonstrate behaviours consistent with the Research Code. However, UNSW will manage any suspected or potential breaches of the Research Code in accordance with the UNSW Research Misconduct Procedure. UNSW researchers must report suspected breaches of the Research Code.

A breach is defined as a failure by a UNSW researcher to meet the principles or responsibilities of the Research Code. Breaches of the Research Code occur on a spectrum and may consist of a single breach or multiple breaches. A serious breach of the Research Code which is also intentional or reckless or negligent may constitute Research Misconduct. Examples of breaches of the Research Code include:

  • Fabrication / Falsification / Misrepresentation of research data or results 

  • Conducting research without ethics approval; or contrary to ethics protocols

  • Plagiarism

  • Misuse of research funds

  • Failure to disclose and manage conflicts of interest 

  • Loss / Inappropriate destruction / Failure to maintain research records, data or source material

Research Integrity Advisors and the Conduct & Integrity Office (CIO) provide guidance and advice regarding the responsible conduct of research and potential breaches of the Research Code. All staff have an obligation to report any issues relating to research integrity.

CIO manages the assessment of concerns raised regarding the conduct of research including the investigation of potential breaches of the Research Code.