The Social Sciences & Humanities Research Council of Canada, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Natural Sciences & Engineering Research Council of Canada officially launched the new  on Dec. 5. 

The new framework builds on previous research integrity policies and procedures related to applying for and managing agency funds, performing research and disseminating results. It outlines the responsibilities of researchers regarding the ethical conduct of research.

Left: Robert Haché, vice-president research & innovation

“The intent of this new framework is to enhance research integrity,” said Haché. “It is important for the 91��ɫ community to recognize this framework and their responsibilities with respect to their research activities.”

Researchers always have been responsible for the rigorous conduct of research, the maintenance of complete and accurate records (research, financial); thorough and accurate referencing; appropriate authorship and acknowledgement of all contributors and contributions to the research; and the proactive management of any real, potential or perceived conflict of interest. With the new framework, there is an increase in the implications and consequences to researchers for even an inadvertent failure to maintain this ethical contract.

Researchers at 91��ɫ are already, by and large, a model of compliance for the ethical conduct of research. Thus, continued adherence to current practices together with an increase in individual vigilance will assure the continued success of researchers’ programs. 

Framework highlights include:

• 91��ɫ will be required to report all findings of misconduct for fault in the conduct of research,
• However, with the new framework, allegations of a serious nature (harm to participants; significant financial breach, etc.) also must now be reported to Tri-Agency
• Misconduct is still defined as a breach of ANY Tri-agency policy. 
• All applicants will be required to sign a that will allow the agencies (subject to applicable laws, including the Privacy Act, and in cases of a serious breach of agency policy) to publicly disclose the names of researchers and their institutions that seriously breach the RCR guidelines and agency policy. 

For more information about the new framework, contact Alison Collins-Mrakas, senior manager & policy advisor, research ethics, at acollins@yorku.ca. For more information about the policy, click here.

Republished courtesy of YFile– 91��ɫ’s daily e-bulletin.

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"We are seeking to provide perspective and commentary on issues and initiatives in our external environment that are relevant to our researchers," says Haché. "It's important to highlight and create awareness about new opportunities and proposed policy and procedural changes that may affect the University research community."

Right: Robert Haché

First in this series is a review of the (R&D), a report on federal support released in October 2011. The report, commissioned by a federally appointed expert panel chaired by Michael Jenkins, executive chair and chief strategy officer of Open Text Corporation, reviewed national programs that support business innovation in Canada.

The panel was comprised of a distinguished cadre of business and academic experts. It proposes a number of fundamental changes to the way that government supports business-facing research and development. If adopted, the recommendations are expected to present expanded opportunities for 91��ɫ researchers with respect to research funding and some new challenges. 

Highlights of recommendations in the report include:

• Development of a new granting council, called the Industrial Research Innovation Council (IRIC), to support funding and delivery of business-facing R&D programs. This council would provide a common service platform for a reduced number of larger, more flexible support programs, including the National Research Council's (NRC) Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP).
• Changing the model under which the National Research Council operates into a grouping of large-scale, sectoral collaborative R&D centres involving business, the university sector and the provinces.
• Assigning responsibility and accountability to a single designated minister of innovation to build consensus and innovation partnerships with the provinces and territories.

To view the full commentary, click here.

Republished courtesy of YFile– 91��ɫ’s daily e-bulletin.

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