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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 08 January 2010
Introduction and scope
The MRC expects all scientists, both clinical and nonclinical, funded by the Council (ie, MRC employees, visiting workers in MRC establishments, and recipients of MRC grants or training awards) to adopt the highest achievable standards in the conduct of their research. This means exhibiting impeccable scientific integrity and following the principles of good research practice.
The MRC Policy and Procedure for Inquiring into Allegations of Scientific Misconduct is published separately. This booklet outlines the key elements of good research practice, setting out the principles that should be taken into account when planning and conducting research, and likewise when recording, reporting, and applying the results.
The seven principles of public life outlined by the Committee on Standards in Public Life (Nolan Committee) in 1995 provide a good starting point:
selflessness
integrity
objectivity
accountability
openness
honesty
leadership
Other MRC guidance sets out the scientific and ethical principles underpinning the conduct of research; this guide is about ensuring that these principles are achieved in practice.
The Department of Health's Research Governance Framework (in draft, publication expected in 2001) addresses the need to clarify responsibilities for initiation, conduct, and oversight of research conducted within the NHS at organisational as well as personal levels.
Although these guidelines are primarily for scientists supported by the MRC, we hope that other researchers, and those involved in reviewing or supervising research, will find them helpful.
Principles
General principles
Good Research Practice (GRP) is essentially an attitude of mind that becomes an attitude to work.
It is about the way in which research is planned and conducted, the results are recorded and reported, and the fruits of research are disseminated, applied, and exploited.
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