Responsible Conduct of Research

Research Integrity

NOSM University recognizes the importance of research, including innovation and scholarly inquiry, in the advancement of new knowledge. As such, NOSM University requires all research, innovation and scholarly inquiry conducted by its faculty, staff, and learners, and under its auspices be performed in the most rigorous and responsible manner according to the guidelines established by the Tri-Agency Framework: Responsible Conduct of Research (2021). 

All NOSM University researchers are responsible for adhering to the NOSM University Responsible Conduct of Research Policy and the core research values of honesty, fairness, trust, accountability and openness. The policy applies to funded and non-funded research conducted by NOSM University researchers and to all aspects of research from application for research funds, to the conduct of research, and to the dissemination of research results. 

Resources

The following are resources to assist with training and comprehension of responsible research conduct.  

• Network of Networks (N2) – Responsible Conduct of Research – RCR Mega Course: The Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) course provides the learner with a solid foundation of knowledge relating to the norms, principles and rules governing responsible research practice in Canada. List of Modules for this course includes:
  Introduction to RCR; Ethics and the Responsible Researcher; Publication Practices and Responsible Authorship; Collaborative Research; Conflicts of Interest; Data Management; Mentoring; Peer Review; Writing with Integrity; Research Involving Human Subjects; Research Misconduct; and Using Animal Subjects in Research. NOSM University researchers can register for this course (and other course offerings) here. Please contact research@nosm.ca for more information. 
• Tri-Agency Framework: Responsible Conduct of Research 2021. The Framework outlines the responsibilities and policies that promote a positive research environment and sets out the process for addressing allegations of breaches.
• Panel on Responsible Conduct of Research Webinar. The goal of the Panel’s education program is to increase awareness and understanding of the Responsible Conduct of Research by addressing specific aspects of the RCR Framework.
• TCPS 2: CORE-2022 (Course on Research Ethics) The online tutorial CORE-2022 (Course on Research Ethics) is an introduction to the TCPS 2 for the research community. It focuses on the TCPS 2 ethics guidance that is applicable to all research involving human participants, regardless of discipline or methodology. 

Related NOSM University policies and documents: 

• Local 677 Unit 1 Collective Agreement 
• Clinical Sciences Division Professionalism and Code of Conduct 
• Academic Freedom Policy 
• Academic Integrity Policy 
• Conflict of Interest with Commercial Entities Policy 
• Faculty Handbook 

Reporting Misconduct

Allegations of research misconduct are submitted directly to the Vice Dean Research, Innovation and International Relations, who will ensure they are investigated promptly, fairly and judiciously and in a confidential manner that is consistent, as appropriate, with related policies, agreements and procedural fairness.  

Individuals have both a right and a responsibility to report any instance of suspected research misconduct. A list of possible breaches, and the detailed procedures to be followed, are described in the NOSM University Responsible Conduct of Research Policy.  

To report research misconduct please email vice.dean.research@nosm.ca.

Summary of Research Misconduct Allegations*: 

If you require further assistance, please contact the Research and Graduate Studies Office: 

Patty Fink
Director, Research Innovation and International Relations
research@nosm.ca

Dr. T.C. Tai 
Assistant Dean, Research
research@nosm.ca