Research with integrity: what the Office of Research Integrity can do for you

Scientific research produces substantial social benefits, but this should never come at the cost of individual rights. As a research-intensive university, UCT’s research practices must comply with the highest ethical standards in social and scientific research. The Office of Research Integrity (ORI) are advocates for responsible research conducted ethically and with integrity. Their role is to guide UCT’s research community to sustain and enhance responsible conduct of research and ensure compliance with the highest applicable national and international ethical and legal standards.

What we can do for you

Each faculty is different and has unique processes.

• We provide advice on the best course of action for your research ethics or integrity-related query.
• We can provide tools and resources to help your research meet the highest ethical and legal standards.
• We can direct you towards appropriate faculty-based resources for your research integrity-related queries. 
• We advise ethics committees on international best practice and legal frameworks while respecting their decision-making autonomy.
• We provide administrative and logistical support to the institutional committees which investigate allegations of research misconduct and questionable research practices (QRPs).
  [It should be noted that the committees are the decision-making bodies, whilst the ORI’s role is to provide support and ensure the policy is implemented appropriately]
• We communicate with key government stakeholders and departments to better understand compliance regulations and obtain permits.
• We offer training around responsible conduct of research which includes, but is not limited to:
  • authorship practices
  • research misconduct and questionable research practices
  • navigating research collaborations and
  • conflicts of interest/commitment
  • responsible use of research data
  • research using human participants

What we can’t do for you

• We can’t interfere or intervene in faculty-based ethics committee decisions. But we can advise on the appropriate appeal process, should you be eligible.
• We can’t advise you against compliance with legal or regulatory processes, such as obtaining the necessary permits to conduct research or import your materials. But we can help you to comply with those processes.

For more information or with research ethics related support please email research.integrity@uct.ac.za

For more information related to the research misconduct policy visit the Policies page. If you wish to communicate directly with the ORI about an allegation pf research misconduct, or have any related queries please email research.misconduct@uct.ac.za