Agencies introduce new Tri-Agency Framework: Responsible Conduct of Research

(2011-12-15) NSERC, the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research launched the new Tri Agency Framework: Responsible Conduct of Research, on December 5, 2011. This new Framework replaces previous policies on the responsible conduct of research, including the Tri Agency Policy Statement: Integrity in Research and Scholarship (TCPS-I, 1994), the Framework for Tri Council Review of Institutional Policies Dealing with Integrity in Research (1996) and the Tri-Agency Process for Addressing Allegations of Non-Compliance with Tri Agency Policies (2010). All researchers and institutions will be required to adhere to the new Framework and to the policies it refers to.

The Framework is being governed and implemented by the newly created Panel on Responsible Conduct of Research, whose mandate is to ensure a consistent approach to promoting the responsible conduct of research and addressing allegations of breaches of agency policies. The Panel is supported by the Secretariat on Responsible Conduct of Research and its Executive Director, Susan Zimmerman.

The federal granting agencies have also established a requirement for all grants and scholarships applicants to sign a Consent to Disclosure of Personal Information form. In cases of a serious breach of agency policy, the consent allows the agency to publicly name the researcher involved, their institution and the nature of the breach. The agencies have implemented this disclosure process to further strengthen Canada's reputation for excellence and responsible conduct in research.

More information about the new Framework is available on the Panel on Responsible Conduct of Research Web site.