Good Research Practice

2.0  Implementation and Leadership

2.1  Implementation of Principles Within the Institution

New Policy documents on academic matters relating to research are normally progressed for discussion through the Faculties, and then on to the Academic Affairs Committee, or the Research Committee, of the University before receiving approval by the Senate which is the Institutional legislative body on academic and related matters. At this point the policy as laid down is then binding on all members of the academic staff, and as appropriate will form an element in training schemes for both new and permanent members of the academic staff, as well as for research students and other research personnel. Responsibility for the implementation of procedures will rest with Heads of Departments, and with those responsible for the direction of research, viz. leaders of research groups, postgraduate research co-ordinators, Departmental Directors of Research, Faculty Promoters of Research, Director of Postgraduate Studies and supervisors of postgraduates and undergraduate projects. It is beholden on all members of the academic staff to be familiar with the institutional procedures, and to take part in staff development and other training programmes. The standard procedure for the dissemination of policy documents is through the intranet or through hard copy of codes of practice. Attention is drawn to documentation through induction events for new members of the academic staff, new contract research staff and new postgraduate students. In addition information is also disseminated through departmental research committees, and codes of practice for postgraduates.

2.2  Leadership and Organisation

Heads of Departments carry the main responsibility for creating the research environment in which good research practice, as laid down by the Institution, can be carried out. This responsibility may be discharged through a managerial process in which Directors of Research play a key role and liaise with their departmental constituency to monitor research practice. This liaison may infiltrate a number of processes, such as organising 'grantsmanship' days to facilitate grant applications, organising mentors for applicants of grants and assessors for monitoring research students. As a matter of principle Heads of Departments, Departmental Directors of Research, Departmental Postgraduate Co-ordinators, Deans of Faculties and leaders of research groups are selected for their positions on the basis of their experience and leadership skills for ensuring good scientific practice, amongst other things.