Editorial

Abstract

Research Ethics and Integrity

Research is a process that involves numerous stages—including developing the idea, formulating the research title, partnering with other researchers and the research subjects, developing the research methods, collecting and analysing data, reporting findings, writing and publishing the research, among others. At every stage of the research process, researchers are required to adhere to ethical norms to meet the overall objectives of research, notably to advance the body of knowledge and promote scholarship.

Upholding ethics in the conduct of research is important to ensure the promotion of truth and minimisation of error in research findings. Researchers should also be held accountable for responsible use of research grants and other matters such as compliance with regulations and policies related to research, or care for their subjects while collecting data. Above all, researchers should be held accountable for their research content and, as such, they should be concerned with the quality and integrity of their research so that their ideas can be further developed in future research.

Given the importance of research ethics, several professional bodies, government agencies and universities have developed ethical codes of conduct to be adopted by researchers. At an international level, efforts have also been made to foster more unified policies, guidelines and codes of conduct on research integrity. The ‘Singapore Statement on Research Integrity’, released in 2010, is a notable example.