Research Ethics
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What Students Say...
My research experience helped me understand the value of research in the world and how the scientific community is based on integrity of every person who participates in the research process. Modern science is much like a house, and each research paper that goes into it is like a brick. All the pieces must be of good quality in order for the house to withstand the test of time. My research experience also allowed me to look at scientists with so much more respect and appreciation. They dedicate their lives to making this world a better place, all so that they can contribute a small piece to a much larger puzzle.
- Arya Ordoubadian - ICRU Fellow - Biology Major
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Scholarly investigation, or research, involves the gather of information, assessment of that information and then he dissemination with interpretation of that information.
At each step along the way, there are issues of appropriate behavior that are part of the research process. This varies across disciplines but all research involves standards of ethical behavior. All individuals involved in research, whether student, staff, or faculty must learn these standards and follow them in their pursuit of knowledge.
In a university setting, there are standards to guide individuals involved in research. For example, the gather of information can be influenced by rules on the use of people or other animals in research. THe assessment of information is shaped by rules of falsification or fabrication, and the dissemination of information is guided by rules on plagiarism. These are only a few examples of how scholarly investigation involves standards of honesty and integrity that all individuals must follow.
As an undergraduate researchers, you are not expected to learn all of the rules on your own. Training in research in a broad concept, but participation in research as an undergraduate allows you to learn the ethics of research from more senior students, staff, and faculty who are your mentors. However, final responsibility for ethical conduct in research always resides with the individual. You are always responsible for your behavior, which is as true in research as it is in all other areas of academics. Remember, if you ever have a question, ask your mentor.
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Your mentor will let you know if any training or certification is necessary. The links below provide more detailed information if you are interested in learning more.
Policies and Compliance
The Office of the Vice President for Research fosters responsible conduct of University research, in compliance with governmental laws and regulations and University policies.
An Institutional Review Board is a group of individuals charged with reviewing proposed research involving human subjects to ensure the protection of those subjects and compliance with federal human subjects regulations. The University of Iowa has three such review boards, each consisting of faculty, staff, and representatives from the Iowa City community.
Human Subjects Research
The University of Iowa operates a centralized program through the Office of the Vice President for Research to review and approve all research involving human subjects. Before a research project involving human subjects is initiated, it must be reviewed and approved by an Institutional Review Board (IRB). While the principal investigator has primary responsibility for the conduct of the study, the University of Iowa IRBs are responsible for protecting the rights and welfare of study participants.
Animal Research
All animal research, teaching and training at the University of Iowa is under the direction of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). The IACUC must review and approve all University activities related to the care and use of animals prior to initiation of animal procedures. The Committee is composed of scientists, non-scientists, veterinarians, and community members.
UI Policy on Ethics in Research
Primary oversight for the research integrity at the University of Iowa resides in the Office of the Vice President for Research. There are many additional levels of policy and law pertaining to research that go beyond the University, such as state and federal standards.
Research misconduct or misconduct in research means fabrication, falsification, plagiarism, or other practices that seriously deviate from those that are commonly accepted within the scientific community for proposing, conducting, or reporting research. It does not include honest error or honest differences in interpretations or judgments of data.